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| The Firework-Maker's Daughter is at the Abbey Theatre until December 30 |
An adaptation of Philip Pullman's The Firework-Maker's Daughter is the seasonal choice of the St Albans drama group, The Company of Ten, and it introduces youngsters to a world of magical lakes, roaring volcanoes and royal patronage.
It is without doubt a technical tour de force for the Company of Ten, with a wealth of special effects which would not disgrace a professional theatre company.
The play tells the story of Lila, who lives in a fictional Indonesian city and longs to emulate her firework-maker father, Lalchand. It hinges on the lengths she is prepared to go to become fully recognised in the art of whizzing and banging.
Emma Barry is an extremely likeable Lila, half dutiful daughter, half stroppy teenager, and her expedition to become a fully-fledged firework maker is enhanced by the company of Jack O'Brien's Chulak and Hamlet, the King's White Elephant.
Alan Bobroff, with a fetching pair of ears and a cleverly-designed trunk, dominates the stage every time he appears and his world-weary voice is just right for the lovelorn Hamlet, who is pining for his elephant love Frangipani.
There are plenty of special effects on their trip - an Emerald Lake where a towering goddess responds to wishes, not always favourably - and in particular Mount Merapi, the volcano which houses Razvani, the God of Fire.
Roger Bartlett, who takes the role of Razvani and the entrepreneur Rambashi, attacks both roles with gusto and fires up his teams of youngsters when they appear together.
But the most impressive scene is the firework festival which finds Lila and Lalchand competing against German and American firework makers. Clever use of projection makes it appear as though three displays are really going on at the back of the theatre and the children in the audience loved it.
The Firework-Maker's Daughter is directed by Tina Swain and she has used her imagination fully to produce a delightful and magical show.
It runs until December 30 and details of performances and tickets can be obtained from the box office on 01727 857861.
MADELEINE BURTON
© Herts Advertiser 2006. Reproduced by permission