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★★★
Yesterday I had the opportunity to see Let’s All Dance Ballet Company’s whimsical children’s themed ballet show ‘Magic Word’, as part of the Brighton Fringe. Taking place in The Bunker @ Fool’s Paradise, it is a short piece of dance theatre for little ones. Centring on a Forest Queen (Holly Moon-Griffith) and an Elf (Fran Mangiacasale), the story takes place in a magical world and the stage has been transformed to make young theatre goer’s believe in the enchanting setting.
Initial thoughts
On arrival I was impressed by the fantasy-themed set, utilising fairy lights and overhead lighting effects. This, alongside the colourful costumes would be totally inspiring for little ones, who would be drawn into this sparkly world. The backing music and dance steps are also incredibly playful, keeping to the fairy themes.
Even for such a young target audience, I would have liked to have seen a little more narration to provide context to the story. There are lots of musical sequences, where the characters take over with engaging mime and exaggerated expressions, but with such a short amount of narration, it feels less like a story and more like a display of fairy-themed dance steps.
Use of the performance space
In my opinion, the small stage in The Bunker holds the dancers back from showcasing their full skillset. It feels like they are restricted by space, preventing them from being able to fully extend their movements. That being said, it is clever how the choreographer has focused on positions and formations, rather than elongated, gliding steps and still managed to represent these fantasy characters. I thought it was particularly charming when Holly Moon-Griffith brought a young audience member on stage and their face was a picture of pure elation during this sweet moment.
A delightful dance show for young children
Whilst I would have liked to have seen a little more focus on the narrative itself, ‘Magic Word’ is certainly going to inspire young ballet dancers and theatre goers on what could quite possibly be their first theatre trip. Let’s All Dance Productions have now finished their run at Brighton Fringe, but will be taking two shows on tour this Autumn and Winter: Ugly Duckling and The Nutcracker. Kent audiences can catch them at the Malthouse Theatre in Canterbury on Monday 28th October and Monday 16th December.
Thanks for reading my blog today.
Love Kat xxxx
*My ticket for Magic Word was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
Many thanks for your review.
Although there is, indeed, deliberately very little spoken word, as a ballet company the storyline and narrative is mainly driven through movement and facial expressions.
The stage at The Bunker was extremely small and our brilliant dancers adapted some of the choreography to fit.
As well as The Malthouse we have other shows in Kent coming up, including at The Stag, Sevenoaks, and Hemsted Park, Benenden.
Full information at http://www.lets-all-dance.co.uk
Thank you for your response Orit, it is great to have some more insight into the creative decisions. I wish you all the best for your future tours.
Kat