Honk

This was an ideal choice of show for this young company. Based on the tale of the Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Anderson this delightful story tells how Ugly, a very large unattractive duckling, faces scorn and derision by the other farmyard animals who eventually drive him away into the grasp of a nasty Tom Cat. However, as in most fairy tales, all ends well when Ugly becomes a swan and finds love.

The striking open set immediately caught the eye and Ross Jamieson (Drake) got the show off to a strong start with his opening number. His partner Ida,  sympathetically played by Innes Goodall, not only sang well but convinced us throughout of her real maternal love and concern for her very large chick Ugly. Cameron Kilgour also gave a convincing performance as Ugly  looking suitably lost and gullible as he faces his enemies and troubles, His biggest enemy was of course Cat splendidly portrayed by James Rennie with his feline, “camp”,stealthy  movements. I particularly enjoyed Michael Barkers Gaylag. Perfectly at ease with a great stage presence he commanded the Wild Gosse Chase brilliantly and here the ensemble marching was slick and well regimented. Indeed the choreography throughout the production was varied and well executed with the younger chicks and frogs enthusiastic in their moves.

Elle de Marco (Lowbutt) and Isla Halnsworth (Queenie) were a feisty pair with their completely o.t.t mannerisms  and accents. “It Takes All Sorts” and “Together” were both very well acted and sung.

The entire show is full of catchy music which was well delivered by both principals and ensemble and supported by a well controlled orchestra. The script too is very witty and these youngsters had the dialogue well timed so that the amusing lines were never lost.

I have seen Honk before where the cast had magnificent feathery costumes for the various characters but I thought that a more simplistic way of suggesting the various characters was cleverly done. Little yellow dresses for chicks, green dresses for frogs and subtle head gear or props all worked well. in depicting the various characters

Possibly because no one on stage was having to act as somebody much older than their years, this was a very natural production where all on stage appeared  comfortable in their roles. This was a charming production which I really enjoyed. Well done everybody in this large cast, the production team and technical crew for a well performed and well staged production.

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