They enjoy shaking things up at The Rep and, this time, it’s all for the benefit of the younger members of the audience.
James Brining’s production of Neil Duffield’s The Firebird may take place in a dark and minimal in-the-round setting, but the inspired storytelling skills of the Rep Ensemble combined with imaginative props, stunning lighting and superb use of sound make it a joy to watch.
The cast succeed in creating an atmosphere of wonder and intrigue without having to labour any points, resulting in a performance that is of equal enjoyment to both adults and children.
They draw the audience into Duffield’s yarn, based on a Russian folk tale about how the visit of a magical bird teaches a Tsar the importance of caring for one’s family. Emily Winter and Kevin Lennon get the crowd going as Princess Katya and Prince Ivan, their sibling rivalry spurring early audience participation.
Winter is wonderfully cruel and deceptive as she stomps around in her sparkling tutu-frock and impossibly high shoes, while Lennon steals hearts as the noble prince who cannot seem to please his father.
Robert Paterson is serious and convincing as the foolish Tsar Saltan, who rejects his seemingly useless son; but it is as the toothless wolf that he comes into his own, playing a witty and heroic sidekick to Prince Ivan.
The entire cast thrill with their weird and wonderful characters. Emily Winter doubles up as the blind, human-eating witch Baba Yaga in a hugely entertaining musical scene, while Ivan and the wolf’s incident with a piece of invisible rope is an excellent watch.
Ultimately, it is the exquisitely colourful and delicate firebird that captures the eyes and imagination of the children. Designed by Rachael Canning and elegantly handled by Duncan Anderson, its flowing feathers and gold-touched features dazzle on the sparsely-lit stage.
Praise is also due to the lighting and sound designers, who bring an extra dimension to the production, especially by using recordings of the Ensemble members’ voices, played to impressive effect at various intervals throughout the performance.
Filled with the right balance of humour and scares, The Firebird is a perfect portrayal of how honesty, courage and love can result in the noblest of actions.The Firebird is suitable for ages five and over and runs at Dundee Rep until Saturday, April 9. See www.dundeereptheatre.co.uk for more information.Photos courtesy of Dundee Rep/Douglas Robertson.