The Charlie Brown experience begins, before even entering the auditorium, as Sally Brown (Fiona Cox) greets everyone with an ear-to-ear grin, chatting merrily about her brother. This doesn't stop once through the door with the actors searching the stage and round the seats for Linus's blanket, music playing gently in the background. When the play actually begins, the characters are already established. The play is a series of short sketches and scenes all based on the Peanuts cartoon created by Charles Schulz. It follows Charlie Brown's (Richard Ash) obsession with the red-headed girl and how everything seems to go wrong. By the end, Charlie finally understands that he is a pretty decent guy after all.

The production's use of primary-colour costumes help with the characters' sunny charm. Snoopy's oversized dog-house is used to good effect, Schroeder's piano raises a smile, and the simple recreation of an American-style school bus in the opening number is clever. Director Fiona Cox makes good use of the available stage space, including the audience interaction at the start. Musical director Ruairi Edwards accompanies all this with enthusiasm.

Richard Ash shines, conveying Charlie Brown's insecurities, determination and hope. Fiona Cox manages to keep a smile throughout her performance as Sally, but is never annoying and has a joyful exuberance on stage. Rob Kelly is an adorable Linus, with an unhealthy devotion to his blanket. Stuart Brooks plays geeky Schroeder with conviction, avoiding Lucy's advances. Harriet Burchall plays Snoopy with just the right amount of arrogance and playfulness, and a great singing voice. Snoopy's reactions add a touch of humour to each scene. Anna Cook's interpretation of Lucy gets across the control-freak element of the character, and her obsessive adoration of Schroeder.

It's a charming production, for both adults and children. Each little scene includes the right amount of sentimentality and humour, and the play moves along at a good pace. All the characters are well-acted, with infectious fun and energy. Songs are joyful and flowing, and the cast fling themselves with gusto into the parts of adults playing children.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Richard Ash - Charlie Brown. Fiona Cox - Sally Brown. Stuart Brooks - Schroeder. Anna Cook - Lucy Van Pelt. Rob Kelly - Linus Van Pelt. Harriet Birchall - Snoopy.

Company Credits: Peanuts Creator - Charles Schulz. Writer, Music and Lyrics - Clark Gesner. Additional Music - Andrew Lippa. Director - Fiona Cox. Musical Director - Ruairi Edwards. Technical Operator - uncredited. Production Assistant - Robert Ash. Producer - Anna Cook. Company - Feather Handed Operations. Website - www.goodmancharliebrown.com.

END

(c) Helen Johnson 2008

reviewed Monday 4 August 08 / Sweet ECA, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com