Presented by Trick of the Light Theatre
Reviewed 17 February 2016
The Road That Wasn’t There is yet another example of the fine, highly skilled and theatrical work that comes out of New Zealand’s Trick of the Light Theatre.
Living in Adelaide, Gabriel keeps hearing news from people in New Zealand that his mother, Maggie is acting very strangely and might be losing it. When he arrives, he does indeed witness some strange things, such as his mother wearing only her knickers and no skirt (much to the delight of the children in the audience the night the show was reviewed) and stealing maps from the local library. All of this is a great set up for a wondrous tale that has a Tim Burton feel to it.
Three actors, Oliver de Rohan, Elle Wootton and Ralph McCubbin Howell (who also wrote the script) use acting, singing and puppetry skills to bring this tale to life. All three performers are excellent, but it is Wootton who impresses the most, changing from old to young Maggie at the flip of a lighting cue and being very believable as both.
The story is magical, funny and quite dark in places (but what good classic tale isn’t) and one comes out feeling a pleasant sense of wonderment.
This is definitely a company we need to see more of here in Adelaide.
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Twitter: @briangods
Rating (out of 5): 5
Venue: Bakehouse Theatre 255 Angas Street, Adelaide
Season: 12 – 20 February 2016
Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: $18 – $25
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or at a FringeTix box office (booking fees apply)
http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
http://www.bakehousetheatre.com
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