Adelphi Room, Crucible Theatre, Sheffield – 2nd August 2025
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
5*****
As part of another fantastic ‘Together Festival’ running at Sheffield Theaters, The Blanket Fort Club fly into the Crucible Theatre and end their trip down the runway, slamming on the breaks to land in the Adelphi room, ready to entertain each and every one of you with a tale Adapted from The Flying Trunk by Hans Christian Andersen. This production has been co-created with children with complex needs and disabilities, from Nexus Multi Academy schools across South Yorkshire, in order to create and shape the fully immersive sensory piece of theatre.
Get ready for in-flight entertainment all the way with two talented baggage handlers: Will Batty and Elizabeth Robin as they take you on a journey ‘round the world in forty-two minutes on the bestest trip ever’. Batty and Robin whisk you away with them to many famous landmarks and wonderful locations, exploring history and all the wonders each place has to offer while you are there. Stopping off in ancient Egypt allows you to see the famous pyramids and camels while the actors use some impressive props to create such visual magic. Armed with a tiny pen torch, a camel key ring and a large sheet, it’s delightful how the production team have delved deep into their imaginations to deliver perfect effects.
The compact size of the Adelphi room really supports the audience participation and sensory offerings. From the start, the audience are made to feel like they are part of the cogs that enable the show to run smoothly. The children are in the actors’ grasp willingly, if they so wish. From fun-flip-flop crocodiles, snapping playfully at the young crowd, causing a wave of giggles and excitement, to tender moments of touch from a wave of sea going over the unicorn fans in the form of a huge piece of light silky cloth, it was all extremely welcome. The icing on the cake comes in the form of a tunnel at the end of the show, a true surprise and executed admirably.
Sound effects were aplenty and worked well, particularly to add gust to magical moments like the of the opening of suitcases, helping to build the anticipation and wonderment. Some beautiful music included, from national anthems to some old classics.
Towards the end you are treat to some superb guitar and a short duet from Batty and Robin, incredible all-round actors and dedicated to remaining in character throughout. They both work so tenaciously, and it doesn’t go unnoticed, total professionals in every sense.
Hats off to the Director George Stone and the creative team, what a talent to have to be able to evoke such emotions and reactions throughout an entire crowd.
Exquisitely whimsical and educational, submerge yourself and your family in this spectacular piece of theatre and let your imaginations run wild.