Blue Elephant Theatre – until 22 December 2024
Reviewed by Claire Roderick
4****
This year’s Christmas offering at the Blue Elephant is a charming story of self-acceptance and celebrating differences.
Dami (Kaya Slawecka-Williams) just can’t get things right, she is always bumping into things, needs reminding about using her “indoor voice” and feels like she does everything wrong. Focussing on creating a song and dance for the end of term show, she forgets what’s around her and knocks over the Christmas tree, breaking the headteacher’s special star. Even though Mrs Brady (Rachel Waters) has always said that this was a special star from the North Pole that can’t be replaced, she remains calm. But Dami is convinced that she makes everything bad and writes to Santa saying that she deserves to be on the naughty list. When Mrs Claus (Waters) sees Dami’s letter, she sends Elvie the Elf (Comfort Fabian) – usually in charge of Elf and Safety and VERY risk averse! – to bring Dami to the North Pole.
Mrs Claus sends Dami and Elvie on a quest to collect the magic needed for the reindeer to fly, and together the pair work through their differences and begin to appreciate each other, and themselves, for the extraordinary beings they are.
Niamh de Valera’s story is a delightful mix of clowning, pratfalls, silly voices, song and dance, and dad jokes that entertains people of all ages in the audience. Director Aaron Blackledge moves the cast around Alice Carroll’s adaptable set with a zippy pace and the cast pitch their performances perfectly, never going too over the top with the physical comedy and interacting with the young audience intuitively. If your child finds larger theatres and full-on pantomimes overwhelming, this is the show for you. The younger children are gently encouraged to join in call and response and are bopping along to Dami’s song at the first reprise. The theme of neurodiversity and differences is portrayed sensitively, with Dami’s explanations of how she feels, and Elvie’s acceptance and encouragement and admiration sends a positive message about how different people see and cope in the world. “Defeating” the dragon with calmness and kindness is a lovely antidote to the noisier shows around.
A cheerful and cute Christmas treat – full of fun with a wonderful understanding of its audience and a heartfelt message.