Fantastic Mr Fox

Some may have heard of ‘Fantastic Mr Fox’ as an American animation film or Disney movie, but it is more likely known as an adaptation of a Roald Dahl’s classic children‘s story. Whilst the story actually features a lot of scheming and violence, the Phoenix Youth theatres production by Director Ellen Dorsett is quite charmingly innocent given the age of the group’s youngsters are all between 7 and 14 years of age.

With a cast of 23, many of which had lines to say, it is impossible to comment on them all here, never the less they all contributed in many ways. The fixed set depicting a country side scene on two levels was excellent in construction and well painted and during the opening whilst the youngsters played games the 3 main farmers in the story were introduced; ‘Boggis’ (Lottie Lockwood), ‘Bunce’ (Millie Welch)  and ‘Bean’ (Iris Williams). All three spoke up well with good characterisation.

We are soon introduced to Mr and Mrs Fox and their 4 young cubs. ‘Mrs Fox’ was played by Sophia Shakespeare with a warm motherly feel whilst ‘Mr Fox’ played by Amelie Kempshall was played with great confidence and spoke up exceedingly well  -  one to watch for the future. All four ‘small foxes’ (Paisley Comri-Bowcott, Hywel Jones, Arwen Jones and Archie Corbin) were all good.

The three farmers were determined to eradicate the fox family and after failing to dig them out of their home with shovels, resorted to mechanical means and the ride-on tractor created for the scene was very impressive. The fox family escape by digging their way out further and seek revenge by looting the farmers of their chickens, cider and other produce which they offer to the other animals. I was impressed by Gethin Jones as ‘Rat’ for his clarity  and also ‘Mrs Bean’ ( Rose Davis) and Keira Beard  (‘Mabel’) who gave great support.  

The costumes and make-up were superb and although there were some moments when first night continuity lapsed – well hey most were no older than 11 years of age  - this was an overall delightful production which the audience and I enjoyed.

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