Pinocchio in Manhattan

A modern approach to the story with the interludes of commercial radio from the booth: a strong and vibrant performance from the blonde presenter Margy from Bella Chirodian, keeping the continuity going with verve and music.

This virtual reality is king and toys are dead for the modern child theme in the BJ works with all the technology certainly came over well, and Samantha Jones as BJ gave a strong performance supported by her henchmen Sally Elvin and Kathy Matsell. The assistant in this factory Woody from Freya McKeating (who was uncertain about this technology) gave a clear and decisive portrayal and held her own on all fronts. Oliver Allan as Uncle Jepp certainly deceived in his underplay as cameo character as he was a lynch pin to the story, supported by Sophia (Cora St John Cooper), and not only held to his ideals but also produced the delightful Little Wooden Head of Olivia Hartley McLeod (perfect in painted appearance).

The rapp and dance duo Katt and Foxx (Joseph Rosales and Ben Chirodian) were full of energy and everywhere as the ‘stirrers-up’ of trouble and interference; perhaps needed a little more control but filled with enthusiasm.

And to prove that tradition still works and children are children, the Santa from Jimpy Casson with support from his Elves (Kara O’Dell and Ruby Womack) showed that he could fight back and retrieve the situation for toys to the pleasure of all watching.

Hugh Lynch as author and musician gave a different type of entertainment in this stylised pantomime but which encouraged so many youngsters into appearing on stage with the adults in a great team, their enthusiasm and ongoing confidence has to be so good for the future and these are the leads to look for in times to come, and I look forward to their next venture.           

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