The Adventures of Snugglepot & Cuddlepie and Little Ragged Blossom (A Musical)
Posted by redkoireviews on 14/01/2007
This musical is based on the book ‘The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie” by Australian author May Gibbs. John Clarke (one of Australia’s best satire comedians) wrote it while Neil Armfield from Company B Theatre Company directed the production. It’s part of the 2007 Sydney Festival.
The story is a classic Australian children’s book, and the play sticks pretty closely to the original adventures of the three main characters as they make a journey towards a human city. John Clarkes satire comes through more as an overlay on top of the existing story, rather than being a 100% satirical plot. Think of it a bit like the Simpsons – the kids love it on one level but there’s jokes in it for the adults as well.
I enjoyed it, but I can’t say it lived up to the standard I’ve become accustomed to from the Belvior St Theatre company. I think the musical score let it down somewhat. Some of the subtlety of satire was lost in big unison singing that wasn’t quite all running at the same time, making it difficult to hear some of the words. Maybee i’ve just been spoilt by the great music in ‘Keating‘.
It’s a hard ask creating a musical for adults and kids from a book by a comedian with direction from a theatre company. I’m not sure it jumped all the hurdles.
Having said that, get a copy of the book, read it to your kids then take them to see the musical. All the kids at our performance had a ball.
My Rating: 3 Stars
PS This isn’t the first time the book has become a musical – did anyone see this performance?
