THE LOWRY, SALFORD – SUNDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2023
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN AND SAM JONES (12 YEARS OLD)
5*****
I have visited the Lowry multiple times and have enjoyed shows at both the Lyric and Quays theatres. However, today was my first time visiting the Aldridge Studio. It was the perfect venue for an intimate and immersive theatre experience.
Concrete Youth presents their latest theatrical production, “The Whispering Jungle,” a captivating and immersive touring experience designed specifically for young audiences with profound and multiple learning difficulties. This unique show combines ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian response), live foley and sensory play, to create a multi-sensory experience like no other. These include using puppets and tactile materials, providing pleasant floral aromas and bubbles.
This theatre group stands out for their commitment to creating accessible theatre. While the rest of the theatrical community has mostly been engaged in discussions about accessibility, Concrete Youth has been actively finding ways to make it a reality. This show is the result of several years of their hard work.
In the intimate setting of the stage, a small audience of 15 of us sits in our small family groups. As we await the start of the show, the cast, consisting of Ewan S Pires, Laura Kaye Thomson, and Finn Kebbe, walks around and introduces themselves to each audience member using sign language. The performance begins with the cast singing a lively song while playing instruments, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Their welcoming approach ensures that each young person feels included and welcome.
The story is set in the Rainforest and starts with a soft whispered narration from off stage. Then, one by one, the characters come to life in the form of puppets. First, the Rainbow Bird (Thomson) makes its appearance, inviting the audience to interact with it by feeling and stroking its soft feathers. Next, the Turtle puppet (Pires) comes onstage, its shell serving as a musical instrument that produces delightful sounds when touched. Lastly, the Monkey (Kebbe) joins the scene, and the audience is once again encouraged to stroke the puppet and engage with the performance. The story follows the journey of the bird, the turtle and monkey who face the threat of deforestation and try to protect their home.
While we were on our way home, my friend Sam mentioned how much he enjoyed the interaction between the actors and the audience. Specifically, he loved it when the actors personally introduced each young person to their puppets. This gesture made Sam feel comfortable and allowed him to know what the puppets looked like and what they were going to do during the performance. Additionally, he thoroughly enjoyed the realistic sound effects produced by the bird when it was flying.
Experiencing the interaction between the actors and the young audience members, along with their families, is truly beautiful. This memorable experience will stay with me for quite some time.