The Barn Theatre, Cirencester – until 10th May 2025
Reviewed by Josie Aburrow Smith
5*****
In the Mouth of the Wolf is another great Built By Barn production. It is based on the book by Michael Morpurgo and sensitively adapted for stage by Simon Read. This is the 6th book by Micheal Morpurgo that has been on the stage at the Barn Theatre.
It’s really important to remember when watching this that it is based on the true story of Micheal Morpurgo’s uncles.
The play starts with Francis being the subject of an episode of This is Your Life (this was a TV programme where guests were surprised with a presentation of their past). Francis then goes back through his past and how many people, some who are not with us anymore, shaped his life. Its starts with him as child and his relationship with his brother, Pieter, and his father. Francis becomes a dedicated pacifist and is very against war and killing. There is an event which occurs that will change the course of Francis life forever.
The 3 actors are outstanding. Francis is played by John Hastings. According to Michael Morpurgo he even has Francis’s shoulders. He faithfully portrays his character with dignity and integrity. Shaun McCourt is Pieter and a number of other characters. He is a dashing young man of the era. Helena Antoniou is Nan (Francis wife) and a wide variety of other people. She easily transitions between the roles with such skill that you hardly notice. One particular moment is the seamless motion in which she whips off her bridal veil and convincingly turns it into a baby.
The set was minimal with a few props which was very cleverly adapted for each scene. It effortlessly switched between being a school room, an aeroplane and many other different locations, this was designed by Yoav Segal. The lighting design, by Ryan Day, set the mood. Composition and sound design was by Ella Wahlström. The play is directed by Philip Wilson.
This play is a poignant reminder of World War II and some extraordinary characters who should not be forgotten.
Age Guidance: 8+ Smoke, haze, strobe lighting, gunshots and death (though I would suggest 10+ as they will have studied World War II at school so will have a better understanding)