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The BirdVerdict: Spectacular and delightful musical
The Bird is an hour of sheer musical theatre delight, following the birth of an unusual-looking bird to what happens next, and to what happens in the end.
When the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen (1805 - 1875) wrote the timeless classic story The Ugly Duckling, he used it to point out that someone who looks different may also be someone of quality. Taken down the years as a gentle children's story, it was one of the first great allegories of difference, with a powerful message of acceptance, and seeing the person within. Side By Side artistic director Susan Wallin has written a new story which reflects HC Andersen's work but in a new context and with skilful re-aligning of its point. The Bird is a revolutionary as The Ugly Duckling, with a powerful focus, and one might imagine the posthumous delight of the kind and thoughtful man who was Denmark's greatest writer in watching this colourful, delightful and spectacular re-interpretation of his idea.
It's gorgeously staged, the cast is superb, costumes are stunning. And there's a massive emotional component - extra-heavy on the Kleenex.
Along the way in the bird's story there are terrific set-pieces. The Doors' People Are Strange is a quiet epic, with a great jazz vocal soundtrack and delightful physical-theatre/dance interpretation from the cast. Mick Jagger's Little Red Rooster is a strong highlight early on; as are the birds migrating, the birds' fashion show, and the coming of the swans - among several superb pieces - later. The thread that runs all the way through is the emotional grip that the cast and the story create from superb performances - the 60 minutes pass excitingly and effortlessly with constant engagement. In this delightful creation, every member of the cast is a star.
Cast Credits: (to follow)
Company Credits: (to follow, they include): Company - Side by Side Theatre Company. Website - www.stourbridge.ac.uk/sidebyside
END
John Park
reviewed Tuesday 20 May 08 / Dorset Gardens Methodist Church
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008