A heartwarming production brings Benji Davies’s tale to life, blending puppetry, music and charm, celebrating friendship, belonging and unexpected connections...
From the opening scene, you’re transported to the coastline. Puppet seabirds drift lazily in the breeze and colourful seaside bunting rest above the stage. The sound of waves crashing on the shore carries a question: “From what distant journey did they come?” Instantly, you know you’re in for a treat.
The production brings Benji Davies’s illustrations to life with remarkable fidelity. The set design is a perfect homage to the popular picture book’s nautical charm, while the puppetry—especially the playful, lifelike movements of a cat named Sandwich—captures the essence of the story. Even the precise number of socks is pegged out on the washing line.
The cast’s choreography, dialogue and singing blend seamlessly, whilst the sprinkle of festive cheer makes The Storm Whale a real delight for the young in the audience.
this is a story of unexpected friendships
In a particularly poignant moment, Noi is depicted as a small puppet, a clever choice that shifts our perspective. This change emphasises his fragility and vulnerability, allowing us to shift perspective, understanding the sense of urgency and his place among the endless white landscape.
At its heart, this is a story of unexpected friendships. Noi’s discovery of the whale, and the profound way it transforms his life, illustrates how the most unplanned and disruptive encounters can anchor us in ways we never expect. It’s a tale of belonging. A comforting balm for anyone feeling a little lost. The show gently encourages us to pause, to trust and to hold faith in the arrival of that ‘thing’ or ‘person’ who will steady us and guide us through life’s ever-changing seasons.
Through starry nights, icy challenges and gentle, whimsical songs, we are reminded to seek out the moments and activities that bring us joy, whether alone or with others. The bond between a boy and a rescued whale, forged in loneliness, invites us to see the world differently, to reflect on the connections that shape us, and to better understand our place in it.
The Storm Whale plays at Lakeside Arts from Saturday 14th December 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025.
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