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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Not Now, Bernard And Other Monster Stories
Verdict: Monsters + children + paint = mayhem
Edinburgh - C Venues - August 03
C - Chambers Street - 12.30 midday (55mins)
Bernard's eaten by a purple one: Angela befriends a slimy, smelly, green one (writes Lea Harris). What happens when a red one and a blue one start throwing rocks?
'Not Now Bernard' is what Bernard's told whatever he says. Even when he's about to be eaten by a big purple monster. His parents just won't listen - till it's much too late. But that's not the end of the story.
Angela doesn't want a new teddy; she wants a monster to play with. When mum and dad go out, Angela gets her wish. Enter, a green monster - hungry. What can she do?
Things go wrong when a small girl gets involved in decorating her bedroom. She grabs a hammer to help dad. She tries to prise open a paint tin with a screwdriver. And when mum and dad want to choose the colour - tantrums.
Three actors deliver 13 characters in this adaptation of David McKee's book Not Now, Bernard. It's for younger children.
Milenka James shows the wild-eyed innocence of a small child, and plays the purple monster with a delightful naughtiness. Milenka James, Verity Hewlett (Mothers, Monsters) and Adam Ward (Dads, Monsters) have the children in the audience spellbound and squealing in delight. The look of disbelief and horror on their faces at what happens to poor Bernard is magical.
Star of the show's the gruff green monster (expertly coordinated between Verity Hewlett and Adam Ward) that devours everything in the fridge - including some very hot mustard. Adults might think twice about decorating a child's bedroom after seeing this show.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Milenka James (Children). Verity Hewlett (Mothers). Adam Ward (Fathers).
Company Credits: Director - Daniel Buckroyd. Adapted - Daniel Buckroyd. Designer - Emma Cains. Composer - Carlton Edwards. Production Manager - Richard Fagan. Writer - David McKee. Company - Nuffield Theatre Southampton & Theatre First. Set Construction - Joe Cunio & Rhys Gillard. Masks & Puppets - Sophia Hunt & Phil Jarman. Inflatables: Abacus Inflatables.
End
Lea Harris
reviewed 20 Aug 03 / Edinburgh / C Venues
(c) Lea Harris 2003
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
