Freckle Productions are back again following their productions of Zog and Zog and the Flying Doctors this time with four tales across an hour to delight a family audience.
Weaving together a host of characters from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s best-loved books, Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales takes inspiration from Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze.
With a talented and commitnent cast of three (Joanna Brown, TJ Holmes, Delvene Pitt), direction by Mark Kane, and music/lyrics by Benji Bower, this show has potential but is sold a little short by its episodic style.
A framing story about a lively Muppetesque monkey looking for his mum segues into the old woman (played by the male of the trio) who learns her house is just the right size, the tale of Tiddler the little fish whose tall tales reach the fishermen who catch his friends, and the story of George the giant who swaps kindness for sartorial splendour.
Sadly some sound problems mask the lyrics, and there isn’t quite enough interaction to keep little ones interested. Perhaps a touch more singalong or audience participation might lift this just a little. The story of Monkey and Tiddler in particular seems to offer some missed opportunities.
Technically, the lighting is good and there are some inspired choices with puppets and props (a banana becomes a fisherman’s hat, for example). But the pacing is a little off which makes the show seem longer than its hour running time.
Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales definitely has its moments, and is amusing and cute, but Bower’s songs aren’t that memorable or repetitive enough to become earworms you sing on the way home.
Ultimately, Tiddler feels a little unfocused which is a shame as all the performers can clearly act, sing and connect with younger audiences. You will find bits to enjoy but I was left wishing for just a bit more.
You can catch the show for yourself at Cadogan Hall until 21 August (multiple shows daily: book here).
Thank you for eloquently setting out my thoughts on Tiddler and other terrific tales which we saw as a family this morning.
It feels harsh to blunty say the show just didn’t work but those unfortunately were our takeaway thoughts which is a real shame given the clearly very talented and enthusiastic cast.
There did seem to be an issue with the sound or perhaps the songs themselves just had little impact which again is a shame given the casts vocal ability.
This show seems to fall between the cracks. Overly improvised and not interactive enough to hold the attention of younger audiences. Ours are 3 amd 4; but not substantive enough for an older child.
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In the last 20 minutes of only a 60 minute show, some of the younger kids had started to play amongst themselves in the aisle!
Laboured is also how I’d describe it. As you rightly say. It felt much longer than 60 minutes!
I really thought long and hard about this show as I wanted it to succeed and I do like the company. But something didn’t click here.
It didn’t do what it said in the tin! I didn’t see many children laughing! The props were dreadfully cheap and dull The scenery was non existent and it wasn’t cheap.Overall very disappointing.
Dreadful,non existent props,no colours,cheap set,I really couldn’t believe it for the money paid.A total ripoff!