Presented by Patch Theatre Company
Reviewed Saturday 25th May 2013
Keeping a child’s attention is a particularly daunting challenge, particularly now amongst the technological boom of film, television, video games and social media. Patch Theatre Company, known for their myriad of creative productions for 4-8 year olds, including critically acclaimed productions such as Me and My Shadow, and The Fastest Boy in the World, have delivered a visually spectacular delight in The Moon’s a Balloon.
Director Dave Brown brings us the heart-warming tale of the developing friendship between a man (Rob Griffin) and woman (Katrina Lazaroff), around the magic of a simple, white balloon. The otherworldly stage design, created by the talented Morag Cook, is the ideal backdrop for the whimsical adventures that unfold.
Notable mentions must be given for Composer/Performer Josh Bennet; his acoustic mastery delivered on every level. With no dialogue, Brown relies on music and audio effects to cue mood and suspense. The children responded well to this – cheering, gasping, and jumping with delight in their chairs at the right moments. One unique standout was the use of vibrations, which piqued the interest of both adults and children in the audience. The lighting (David Gadsden) was also a feat of skill and imagination, particularly the mesmerising light show that begins and concludes the production, silencing even the most talkative of excited children in awe. Watch your child’s delight (and your own) during the ‘Song’ scene, as Griffin and Lazaroff dance amongst a sea of balloons that light up at their touch, as they play the main theme to the production – the same theme Lazaroff helps the children to sing as they are seated prior to the beginning of the show.
This show, simply, is fun. On a deeper note for Mum and Dad, Brown also shows us how much we say, when we don’t say anything at all. That is, our gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Griffin and Lazaroff are charming, entertaining … and quite acrobatic. We witness their relationship develop, using balloons to dance, jump and play their way around the stage. And of course, the themes of friendship and comradery are the framework to this tale.
The Moon’s a Balloon is an enjoyable delight for both you and your children. They will be captivated by the creative talent on stage, and so will you.
Reviewed by Nathan Giaccio, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.
Venue: Odeon Theatre
Season: 22 – 31 May 2013
Duration: 50 mins
Tickets: $12.00 – $18.50
Bookings: Book at BASS
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