The show was a terrific story for neurodivergent and neurotypical children alike
Presented by: The Little Red Company, DreamBIG Children’s Festival and Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed: 17 May, 2025
Fancy Long Legs and her three friends like to make webs. That’s not that unusual, given that they’re spiders. They each have their own individual methods and styles though, and Fancy’s particular approach doesn’t seem to have the same success as her counterparts. This is due to idiosyncrasies specific to Fancy which would have her classified in our human world as neurodivergent.
I really liked how this production smoothly allowed the audience to be on board with their message, rather than ramming it down our throats, as so often happens with kids’ stories that have ‘a message’. We weren’t led toward disapproving of the characters who didn’t understand Fancy’s differences, and there was no need for our protagonist to ‘triumph over her adversaries’.
The message was clear, and important, and wonderfully delivered. There were no villains or bad guys, just friends who were even better friends by the end.
The set was colourful and easy for kids to recognise. The songs were clear and engaging, and the performers played their parts without patronising the young audience. The Little Red Company obviously has good experience of producing shows that are designed for kids to enjoy, not endure.
I was accompanied by my three kids aged 12, 10, and 8, and I had been concerned that perhaps the show would be too childish for my almost-teen, but even he said that he enjoyed the production.
Mention should also be made of the Adelaide Festival Centre staff, who were well prepared for an audience who may have found light and sound challenging, and who seamlessly handled all eventualities with care, good cheer, and no fuss.
Unfortunately, Fancy Long Legs’ 2025 season has concluded here in Adelaide, but with any luck, The Little Red Company will bring Fancy and her friends back for the Adelaide Festival Centre’s DreamBIG Festival again in 2026, or perhaps The Adelaide Fringe Festival. If they do, take your kids. The show was a terrific story for neurodivergent and neurotypical children alike.
Reviewed by Doug Phillips
Photo credit: Jade Ellis
Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
Season: Ended
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