Comments on: World premiere of Shanty Theatre Company’s ‘A Rat’s Tale’ at Weymouth’s Old Town Hall http://www.weymoutholdtownhall.co.uk/2010/06/world-premiere-of-shanty-theatre-company%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%98a-rat%e2%80%99s-tale%e2%80%99-at-weymouths-old-town-hall/ Weymouth's Old Town Hall | Uniting Heritage, Arts and Community Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:27:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Sanguiine Writers http://www.weymoutholdtownhall.co.uk/2010/06/world-premiere-of-shanty-theatre-company%e2%80%99s-%e2%80%98a-rat%e2%80%99s-tale%e2%80%99-at-weymouths-old-town-hall/comment-page-1/#comment-3 Sanguiine Writers Tue, 13 Jul 2010 09:00:07 +0000 http://www.weymoutholdtownhall.co.uk/?p=473#comment-3 Review by Sanguine Writers The downstairs room of the Old Town Hall has been transformed into a theatre with seating on two levels and a stage for this production from Shanty Theatre. The puppet head teacher calls the audience downstairs ready for the performance. Entering the room evokes a sense of mystery and anticipation. The lights dim and the performance begins and what a performance! The set consists of four bookcases arrayed with a multitude of props many of which are used with dexterity and aplomb during the performance. The creative use of the bookcases to set the scenes is magical in itself; one minute walls, then a bar and at times a bed, extraordinary. Lighting is also used to great effect and powerfully contributes to building the story and inducing a sense of wonder and fascination. The five actors move seamlessly from character to character developing the story which begins with the utter denial that the Black Death would or could enter England. Simple costume additions ensure the audience keep track; using long fur collars, top hats and tail coats to represent the rats is inspired. The insightful humour and original songs performed by the cast playing a variety of instruments are captivating and continue the wonder. During the performance there is an excellent mix of audience participation and pure acting which promotes a sense of belonging while being entertained. As the story unfolds and the inevitable arrival of the Black Death occurs the humour and music continues but tragedy is added with great sensitivity. As with most family friendly productions there is a perfect happy ending. After the performance there is an opportunity to purchase various items including Magic Mike’s Mystical Marmalade. We highly recommend this performance to all. Children from 5 years upwards will be delighted and enthralled. Adults of all ages have left the Old Town Hall charmed and elated. Some comments include: “This is good theatre, and we know because we go to theatre performances all over the country!” “This is just what Weymouth needs; what a fantastic play” “Wow!” Sanguine Writers Words to Widen your World Review by Sanguine Writers

The downstairs room of the Old Town Hall has been transformed into a theatre with seating on two levels and a stage for this production from Shanty Theatre.

The puppet head teacher calls the audience downstairs ready for the performance. Entering the room evokes a sense of mystery and anticipation. The lights dim and the performance begins and what a performance!

The set consists of four bookcases arrayed with a multitude of props many of which are used with dexterity and aplomb during the performance. The creative use of the bookcases to set the scenes is magical in itself; one minute walls, then a bar and at times a bed, extraordinary. Lighting is also used to great effect and powerfully contributes to building the story and inducing a sense of wonder and fascination.

The five actors move seamlessly from character to character developing the story which begins with the utter denial that the Black Death would or could enter England. Simple costume additions ensure the audience keep track; using long fur collars, top hats and tail coats to represent the rats is inspired. The insightful humour and original songs performed by the cast playing a variety of instruments are captivating and continue the wonder. During the performance there is an excellent mix of audience participation and pure acting which promotes a sense of belonging while being entertained.

As the story unfolds and the inevitable arrival of the Black Death occurs the humour and music continues but tragedy is added with great sensitivity. As with most family friendly productions there is a perfect happy ending. After the performance there is an opportunity to purchase various items including Magic Mike’s Mystical Marmalade.

We highly recommend this performance to all. Children from 5 years upwards will be delighted and enthralled. Adults of all ages have left the Old Town Hall charmed and elated. Some comments include:

“This is good theatre, and we know because we go to theatre performances all over the country!”

“This is just what Weymouth needs; what a fantastic play”

“Wow!”

Sanguine Writers
Words to Widen your World

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