Salisbury Playhouse – until 31 December 2017. Reviewed by Jo Gordon
5*****
Little Robin Redbreast
By Glyn Kerslake & Gareth Machin
Robin (Joe Etherington) lives with his Mummy (Elaine Glover), Daddy (Dan Smith) and sister Molly (Philippa Hogg). Christmas is fast approaching and it is Robins favourite time of year as it is the one day he gets to spend doing fun stuff with his usually very busy parents. Mummy and Daddy give Robin and Molly an advent calendar each to help count down to the big day, Molly like ones with chocolates in and Robin prefers pictures. As Robin begins to open his doors we go on a magical adventure meeting new characters and hearing stories related to whats behind those exciting little doors , from the bright star to rapping squirrels and tap dancing mice! Will little Robin get back to his family nest in time for Christmas?
The set is incredibly creative with just a handful of props and a beautiful backdrop of a giant advent calendar with simple yet charming, lit pictures to guide us through the story. The musical numbers are imaginative and fun that draw the young audience in and capture their imaginations. Lots of audience participation that being aimed at such a young audience can have amusing outcomes!
The perfect festive production for little ones who may struggle with a longer, larger panto production being around 55 minutes long.