| 16 August 2010
Belt up Theatre offers its first production for a family audience with Octavia, a fairytale with a moral message, and the performance is so intriguing and inclusive that adults enjoy it just as much as toddlers.
The play distinguishes itself immediately, as you walk into the room to be greeted personally by its frocked or tweed-coated characters before choosing from a clutter of chairs or cushions to sit on cross-legged. The scenery includes bunting and fairy lights, and makes a very cosy setting for a fairytale. Once the cast had decided on a story to tell, I was recruited to be the proud king of Kerno, a role that would have been intimidating if the whole play weren’t so welcoming and relaxed.
The story involves (my daughter) Princess Octavia travelling from our land to seek help, while our ancient north wall is under attack. Octavia goes on a fantastic adventure, which enlists the help of any willing audience members – the boy to my left was both bubble-blower for the underwater scene and a soldier in the siege. The message is one of acceptance, but is not dwelt upon or forced on the audience, and Octavia is most importantly about the journey. And the ability to dance along with the cast while they play piano and saxophone.
Octavia’s seating capacity is constrained by the intimacy of the shows, and if they were to use a larger venue the experience would not be as enjoyable. I recommend buying your tickets as soon as possible so you don’t miss out on being a part of this magical story.
C Soco, 4-30 Aug (not 25), noon
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