Big Fish

If you have ever tried to remember the most vivid, kaleidoscopic and crazy dream that you didn’t want to wake from, Big Fish presented by Wells Little Theatre would probably transport you right back there. 

From beginning to end, this show was a glittering jamboree of colour and life with the charm and thrill of a favourite fairy story. 

The story centres on the life and adventures of Edward Bloom, as he relates it to his son (Will) over the years. Edward is a travelling salesman and the action skips back and forth in time from the night before Will’s wedding to the pictures of Edwards life painted in psychedelic colour during Will’s childhood.  As a wide-eyed child, Will is enthralled, but as an adult we witness Will’s confusion and frustration as he tries to separate the fantasy from fact.  We are transported with them into these stories, from the enchanted woods and forest witch to the cave of a terrifying giant, the travelling circus where Edward first glimpses the love of his life, to the battlefields of war. And we meet the magical people he collects along the way.  Weaved through the magic is also the reality of both mens’ lives today until finally, having unravelled some of the deep mysteries of Edward’s younger days, Will steps into his father’s story as a participant at his side. 

And what a show – with breakneck pace and energy from beginning to end. Beautifully directed, not a member of the 29 strong cast was ever wasted, every member of the cast was placed with purpose and motive, each character relevant and engaged in the whole. The complicated relationship between father and son was handled with insight and skill by both director and actors – the result, rounded and (for such a crazy story) believable. 

The stage was exquisitely dressed at every turn, from the life sized elephant, to the mystical forest to the daffodil parades – and the set itself was stunning; artfully designed to facilitate the easy transformation between the scenes using multi- function boxes on castors. The work that had been poured into every part of the design from set to props to costumes (which were breath-taking) was evident.  

Technically, Big Fish was skilfully executed – the scene changes occurred flawlessly, in tandem with, and around the action. The well-constructed lighting plot, the use of slideshow and the special effects (including the produce from the giant hindquarters of the elephant), to name a few. The company made all of these things look easy, which is no mean feat in a production of this size. 

Musically, the well-rehearsed six piece band added real magic to the show throughout. The only note worth adding was that some vocals were occasionally harder to hear- usually when they were placed to the rear of the stage and its worth considering taking a view at dress/tech stage and moving the singers to the front.

It’s hard to pick highlights from a show that was so busy with sparkle throughout, but the choregraphy was sparkling – imaginative and adept with not a foot out of place. The superb tap routine simply transported you to the Hollywood musicals of yesteryear. 

The young Will was played with ebullience and charm and both actresses that played Sandra had clearly worked hard together to create a seamless character, while each bringing a freshness and truth to their own Sandra’s age, and present situation. These were sensitive and polished performances. There were so many delicious portrayals of character, the circus Ringmaster Amos Calloway was peppered with both the polish of the front man as well as the grit of the businessman, a great performance as the fierce but sensitive giant, Karl (and I’m sure he’s been told this but he did look a LOT like Robbie Coltrane’s Hagrid!!)  The witch had lovely bluesy vocals and was a joy to listen to. She was joined in the wood by a dance troupe of forest dancers whose movement was very compelling and watchable – their costumes too – were stunning. 

The adult Will was performed beautifully, believable and relatable – great vocals and good handling of the required accent – a great performance. The part of Edward Bloom is very challenging and this actor handled it with great consideration and energy, giving a highly entertaining and three dimensional performance.

As an ensemble, the team work and energy was infectious and exhilarating - to the whole cast and crew – congratulations – what a show!

Katie Jones

NODA representative District 7 and 8.

  Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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