Reviewed by Rebecca Banansko
This is the tale of a tiny snail… but not quite as you know it. Yes, the story of the tiny snail with huge ambitions and her obliging friend the big friendly whale is just as Julia Donaldson wrote. But the format is very different. The story goes on to follow the little snail on his adventure around the world whilst hitching a ride with a grey-blue humpback whale. However, the trip takes a turn for the worst and the whale finds himself stranded on a beach. Can the little snail find a way to save her huge friend and will she see her own snail friends again?!
To our surprise, myself and my 3 and 5 year olds, didn’t see the usual on stage puppetry that we expected. Instead another story was built around this wonderful tale involving a very loving father and his mischievous daughter and his attempts to settle her at bedtime. From the very start of the story the audience were emerged into what was going on and the kids help to hide (or not) the girl as she attempted to evade her father at bedtime – a familiar scene indeed to most parents!
The set was so well done and minimalist with surprising use of some of the props throughout. The cast of 3 managed to hold the children’s attention right up until he end and was a clever way of telling the tale with another dimension and back story added to it.
The Snail and the Whale has been skilfully adapted to provide an engaging family experience which was really visual and really caught the imagination of my children.
The Lowry is a great family venue to visit. There is always a relaxed atmosphere and the staff are so friendly and great with children, nothing is too much trouble for them
I highly recommend this show to anyone who is a Julia Donaldson fan and indeed those who are new to her work. The show was a unique adaptation of a story that tells us that no matter how small you feel, dreams can be achieved with a little determination, when viewed from a slightly different angle.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost £16 (booking fees may apply).
The Snail and the Whale is at The Lowry in Manchester from 30 May to 3 June 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
