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| The cast of James and the Giant Peach |
A PEACH of a Christmas show is proving to be a big hit at the Abbey Theatre in Sty Albans.
The Company of Ten is putting on James and the Giant Peach as its Christmas show this year and with its clever special effects, lively cast and audience participation, it offers an alternative Christmas offering to pantomime.
The David Wood adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic story is not the easiest to transfer to the stage but the Company of Ten set design and construction team were clearly firing on all cylinders when presented with it.
The peach itself is the key but clever use of balloons allowed it to move around while seagulls on poles enabled it to fly and judicious use of a wind machine produced shark-infested waters.
Sharing the key role of James Trotter are Lewis Bingley and James Povey, and Lewis, who was performing on Friday night, soon overcame first-night nerves to produce a charming performance.
His insect companions on his epic-making trip in the peach were excellent, from Kirsty Miles as the competent Miss Spider to Louise Edwards as the glamorous Ladybird.
Damon Pattison was clearly having a whale of a time as the Old Green Grasshopper while Aleks Cvetkovic as the gloomy Earthworm was at his best when set up as bait for the seagulls.
Jack O'Brien was a complete revelation as the Centipede with a marvellous performance which the children clearly loved.
The villains of the piece - and there always are some even if a show is not pantomime - were the odious Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker. Angharad Little and Mary Bateman respectively were well cast and everyone in the audience was delighted when they met their deserved end.
Kevin Broadfoot completed a fine cast in a variety of vignettes including a TV reporter and the Captain of the Queen Mary.
Nick Strudwick directs James and the Giant Peach which runs until January 5 with a number of matinee performances as well as early evening shows. Tickets can be obtained from the box office on 01727 857861 or online at www.abbeytheatre.org.uk
MADELEINE BURTON
© Herts Advertiser 2007. Reproduced by permission