The popular story was first a picture book, then an animated film, and has been adapted for the stage by the imaginative Scamp Theatre.

A cast of three actors bring the tale vibrantly to life with a mix of music, songs, comedy and puppetry. Axel Scheffler’s wide-eyed illustration has been recreated in puppet form, whose emotions take exaggerated human form in the flexible and funny, Mathew Hamper. He winces when chewed by a dog; pinches his nose when pecked by a swan; holds his breath with puffed cheeks when thrown into the river by a girl; and holds his head and shouts when used as a bat on the beach.

Lara Cowin who plays his ‘Stick Lady Love’ also takes on numerous other roles as a ninja-loving girl, a dog, a beach lover, a swan and Santa’s trusty reindeer, Rudolph. Each one she takes on with a range of rubber-faced expressions and the dynamic energy needed for a family show. Her dog chasing and beach-ball throwing antics bring the whole theatre into story and make for some ear-splitting audience interaction.

The multi-talented Robert Wade takes on a variety of roles as well as creating the music and sound effects for the show. He plays the ukulele, saxophone, and his energetic percussion playing is like a form of dance.

There is never a dull moment in this hour-long show. All the characters are larger-than-life, and sometimes camped-up in a jolly hockey sticks kind of way. Still the little ones don’t notice the actors’ tongue-in-cheek sending up of themselves. The youngsters are too busy following the story, finding the dog, leaping for the ball, singing, and of course shouting at the top of their lungs to wake-up and save Stick Man.

Thanks to his young friends in the audience, the adventure ends happily with a magical sleigh-ride, gifts from Father Christmas, a flurry of snow, and Stick Man safely  home in the family tree.

★ ★ ★ ★

Stick Man from Scamp Theatre is at The Lowry, Salford Quays from 1 December 2018 – 6 January 2019. Visit website for full tour details.

Read our interview with Lara Cowin.

Read our interview with Julia Donaldson.

The post Stick Man from Scamp Theatre at The Lowry Theatre, Review appeared first on Quays Life.

What is your favourite part of the show?

This varies but I do really enjoy the ‘snow scene’ which takes place a little later in the show. Stick Man has been through a lot and this moment is rather poignant. He’s cold, months have passed, the seasons have changed and the stakes are getting higher. Will he ever make it back to the Family Tree?

What are you most looking forward to when performing at The Lowry?

I have always wanted to perform at The Lowry so I am very excited about this upcoming run! I have only ever heard positive things about the venue. Plus, I am really looking forward to getting to know Manchester. I have only been to the city a couple of times, but I think it will be a magical place over Christmas. I’m delighted to be here!

What moment in the show do children most react to?

The children usually love the moments with audience interaction such as the dog chase and the beach ball scene. Sometimes their enthusiasm and sheer joy is totally infectious and makes our job onstage incredibly rewarding. The children often know all the words and are bold enough to speak along with us. I particularly love it when they shout words of reassurance to Stick Man; ‘don’t worry, you’ll make it back to the Family Tree!’. That’s very cute.

Why should families come to see Stick Man?

Stick Man is not just a children’s show. It’s for the whole family! It’s imaginative, quirky, funny and a vibrant spectacle with singing, music and dancing. It’s a beautiful story with heart – you care about the characters and, mostly, Stick Man finding his way safely home. It has been a joy to return to the role of Stick Lady Love.

Stick Man is at The Lowry, Salford Quays from 1 December 2018 – 6 January 2019. Visit website for full tour details. 

Read our review of Stick Man at The Lowry.
Read our interview with Julia Donaldson.

Accessible Performances:
BSL performance: Sat 29 December 2018, 2.30pm. Interpreted by Emma Jane Heap.
Relaxed performance: Wed 12 December, 1.30pm.
Captioned performance: Sat 15 December 2018, 2.30pm. By Stagetext.
Audio described performance: Sat 22 December 2018, 2.30pm. By Anne Hornsby, Mindseye.
To book accessible tickets please call 0161 876 2183 or email access@thelowry.com

The post Lara Cowin returns safely home to The Stick Man at The Lowry appeared first on Quays Life.