Guest Review by Local York Mumbler, Ellen
When I told my five year old twins we were going to the theatre they were so excited, although immediately asked “What is it like at the theatre?” It hadn’t occurred to me that they had never experienced the magic of theatre before. “It’s real people bringing stories to life” was my response and with that they were counting down until show day! Like families up and down the country, we have always loved sharing Julia Donaldson stories together and couldn’t wait to see the stage adaptation of The Smeds and The Smoos.
On entering the theatre we were met by very helpful staff showing us to our seats and handing out booster seats to those who needed them. As we waited for the show to begin it was lovely to see the theatre full of excited children (and adults!) all full of anticipation for the show to begin.
The story of The Smeds and The Smoos is based on a far-off planet with two families, the Smeds and the Smoos, who are strongly opposed to mixing with one another. Bill (a Smoo) and Janet (a Smed) unexpectedly meet up and friendship and love soon blossoms! Their special bond is discovered by Grandfather Smed and Grandmother Smoo who forbid them for seeing each other again. Bill and Janet sneakily escape together in the Smed family rocket leaving the Grandparents to give chase and bring them home.
The brilliantly talented cast of four were fantastic from beginning to end. They each took on multiple roles and used the imaginative puppets seamlessly to portray the different creatures and aliens the Grandparents met along the way in search for Bill and Janet. The production was full of catchy songs (Joy, jam and jumping being our particular favourite!), impressive dance routines and jokes to make all ages laugh. Grandfather Smed and Grandmother Smoo’s banter filled relationship warmed into friendship when they discovered they weren’t so different after all. The cleverly hidden props and impressive lighting engrossed the audience and took them on a journey to the many different planets.
Audience participation was actively encouraged throughout with screams of ‘It’s behind you’ coming from excited children jumping out of their seats! This, along with spontaneous clapping and dancing provided us with an hour of pure fun!
The story draws to a close after Bill and Janet are found, back on the planet they were so quick to escape from. The beautiful song which celebrated their return underpinned the main message behind the story which was to ‘play with whoever you choose’. Not only did this show provide giggles and engrossed faces throughout, it also gave the youngest of children a powerful message to accept everyone for who they are.
We thoroughly enjoyed watching The Smeds and The Smoos and can’t wait to see another Tall Stories production.
The Smeds and The Smoos have two performances at York Theatre Royal on Sunday 30th January, 10.30am and 1.30pm. The show is approx 1 hour long (no interval) Book your tickets here.
Find out everything that’s going on at York Theatre Royal in the coming months on their website.
For more Mumbler reviews of the shows and attractions in and around York visit the Mumbler Review section here.
Disclaimer: York Mumbler was given complimentary tickets for ‘The Smeds and The Smoos’ at York Theatre Royal in exchange for an honest review.