Hull Truck Theatre Friday – until 4th January 2025
Reviewed by Anne Walker
5*****
I have just had the pleasure of attending ‘The Borrowers’ directed by Mark Babych at Hull Truck Theatre and I have to say, it was quite the delightful experience!
From the moment the live, on stage musicians started to play, I was transported into the whimsical world of the Clock family. The set design was absolutely charming, with oversized everyday items and clever details that really brought the idea of “little people living in a big world” to life. The creativity in the staging was impressive, and it felt like I was peeking into a secret life hidden right under our noses.
The cast were fantastic. The actors brought such warmth and humor to their roles. The pure childlike wonder that Bea Glancy brought to the character of Arrietty was a joy to watch and her beautiful singing added to her wonderful performance. The way they navigated their adventures was both heartwarming and hilarious. We loved the wonderful use of puppetry during the scenes when the Borrowers interacted with the humans, using miniature versions of themselves to remind us just how small they were.
A relatively small cast all delivered fantastic performances, with some playing various roles. They delivered superb, endearing storytelling throughout and brought the audience in to their little world.
One of the standout elements for me was the way the production used themes of family, friendship, and the importance of seeing the world from different perspectives. It was a nice reminder of how even the smallest beings can have the biggest impact.
All in all, I left the theatre with a big smile on my face. ‘The Borrowers’ is a charming, imaginative production that’s perfect for both children and adults. If you get a chance to see it, I highly recommend it.