It would be hard to conceive of a more pleasant way to kick off the theatrical season-to-be-jolly than with this charming piece from award-winning children’s writer David Almond. Seven years ago the Young Vic scored a big Christmas hit with its adaptation of Almond’s Skellig and now it returns to this talented author for a 70-minute show for the under-10s.
Aside from Almond, the other "names" selling the project are those of the Pet Shop Boys, who have provided the original music. Aside from the quirky Dumpling Song, the rest sounds like so many electronic off-cuts from any of the duo’s work, but no matter. "The Great Human Bird Competition" is coming to Newcastle, with a prize of a thousand pounds for anyone who can fly across the Tyne. Dad (David Annen, pictured), bird-fixated and "as potty as a pancake" ever since his wife died, is determined to win. Lizzie (appealing Charlie Sanderson), his resourceful young daughter, decides to join in, largely to keep an eye on Dad.
Director Oliver Mears and his enthusiastic five-strong cast convey an infectious sense of fun, while never making light of the underlying themes of loss and responsibility. Lizzie engages her new young friends in the audience as she learns to plot a course somewhere between earthbound and pie in the sky, in a production that has a lovably hand-knitted feel. "I don’t need you to be a birdman — I just need you to be my Dad" is a line that will resonate with all ages.
Until January 1. Box Office: 020 7922 2922, youngvic.org
My Dad's A Birdman (Over 5s)
Young Vic
The Cut, SE1 8LZ
