Blue Boat Theatre have a clothes shave with monsters in their wardrobe
MUSICAL THEATRE MONSTERS IN MY WARDROBE The Stand, 3-26 Aug, noon.
What is it with children and wardrobes? During the daytime they’re a utilitarian place for storing clothes and junk, a receptacle for quick bedroom tidying, and popular (if highly dangerous) location for hide-and- seek. Yet turn the lights off, and they become the foreboding dark shadow looming in the corner, capable of harbouring all manner of evil creatures that go bump in the night.
In their latest production, Blue Boat Theatre will explore and dispel the myths surrounding wardrobes, but not before they’ve taken the audience on a journey into a realm of monsters. As the story goes, Jimmy is a young boy who is afraid of the dark, but decides to confront his fear one day by venturing into his wardrobe. Here he meets Urgur, a protector of wardrobes, and he must join in the crusade to stop
monsters from stealing the toys of children everywhere.
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Jimmy defeats the monsters, but it isn’t long before he realises that they’re stealing out of need, not nastiness.
As with previous productions (including the highly acclaimed Turn Turn Tinker and Journey To The Centre Of The Earth), Monsters In My Wardrobe promises to be a magical experience involving charming puppets, a craftin designed set and consummate storytelling. Only this year, Mark Pencak will be joined on stage by musician John Williamson for a performance which is more thematic and can be perceived as having much darker undertones.
‘I think there is a theme there and I guess it’s coming from my perceptions about asylum seekers and how I think that filters into children’s psyche in a very subliminal way - that there’s people who should be feared,’ says Pencak. ‘That’s the morality, but at the same time I’m not trying to sink that into the story, so if you want to see it as a story about a boy who has monsters in his wardrobe, then you can see it that way.’ (Maureen Ellis)
GREYFRIARS BOBBY Greyfriars Kirk Yard, 6-27 Aug, 11am (Frantic); Netherbow Theatre, 4—1 8 Aug, 2pm (Kenspeckle)
Puppet pooch - Greyfriars Bobby tugs the heart strings
More than a simple tourist attraction. the stOry of Bobby. the faithful Skye terrier has been winning the hearts of
40 THE LIST 2—9 Aug 2001
young and old for many a year. Followrng a successful run of Macbeth at last year's Fringe. Frantic Redhead Productions are set to make an impact with their newest walking adventure. Greyfriars Bobby. ‘The idea of man's best friend is timeless' says Morag Fleming. 'lt's a feel-good thing and that's kept it popular all these years.’ Based on a true acc0unt. Eleanor Atkinson's novel was originally written fOr adults but Its warmth and universal appeal has made it one of the best- loved stories of all time. ‘We wanted to have a family show with an added appeal for yOLlngsters.' says lemrng. “And the ston of Greyfriars Bobby is dear to everyone. Starting at Greyfriars Kirkyard. the stonr will unfold as actors
lead a walk down into the Grass'narket.
taking In all Of Booby and ALlIO JOCK'S faVOurite haunts and re-enacting some of their most treasured moments. So what of the star himself? 'I must confess we're haying real problems
casting the ."()l(: of Bot;t>,_' sag; Fleming. ‘\."'»’(‘:"/(3 been on the "iit'l‘fllt-ET and are even in discussions; with people as far afield as L.uxt-3riii;(>tirg.' But time is running Out and faiding the perfect pup is prevng ngn o". impossutile "ii/ed ideally out: a real dog. it :s the ultimate in cute after ail: but .f not. fire basic idea is to use a puppet.‘
f puppeth, does look tr; be the ony oataon. they'll certainh be m good company. Frantic aren't the on', ones who have spotte 2 the {)()’.(i"il?i in adapting the popular tale. The Netherbow will also p;a;,r host to Sylvia Tro “n am her KensrLeCkle Puppets they make a return ‘. s:t .vith a re—
working or the:r popular 8% Pnnce
snow. l.‘. a cast of ‘12 puppets am a selection 3‘ songs. and sound effects. a S'fT“ tan; attempt to bring the stop. c‘ Grey s
life. For ‘ans 3‘ the ca. Character. tn s .cokst
: ‘estixa‘ round. And. M *1
Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Come to Tea! Grab your teddy and head down to Bruno's tea party — his puppet pals have let him down and it's up to you to make the party go with a bang. P/easanrre, until 72 Aug, 7 7.45am.
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Greyfriars Bobby Two different productions, one very loyal dog. See preview, left. Greyfriars Kirk Yard, 6—27 Aug, 7 7 am (Frantic); Netherbow Theatre. 4—78 Aug, 2pm (Kenspeck/e).
Monsters in my Wardrobe Blue Boat Theatre explore the thing kids fear most when the lights go down. See preview. left. The Stand, 3—26 Aug. noon.
Not Now, Bernard See what happens when you ignore your children! See preview on next page. C Venue, until 26 Aug. 72.30pm.
O Cano Award-winning clown trio. CircoTeatro Udi Grudi get wired for sound. changing drainpipes. tiles and barrels into all manner of instruments. George Square Theatre, 3—73 Aug, 7.30pm.