MORE ADVENTURES OF NODDY. Enid Blyton’s famous story adapted by David Wood. Directed by Cheryl Abromowitz and Caryn Reznik. Music adapted by Anton Luitingh. Make Up Caryn Reznik. Presented by Stagecraft Drama Studio. At The Artscape’s Theatre Foyer 10.30 until 15 July.
SHEILA CHISHOLM reviews
Memory fails when trying to recall how many Stagecraft Drama Studio’s Noddy in Toyland productions I have attended. What doesn’t fail is remembering how individual director Cheryl Abromowitz makes each show and how superbly she (now assisted by Caryn Reznik), succeeds in drawing from her young charges such clear diction. Not only is no word ever lost, they act with a confidence and assurance many an adult actor could learn from. I have yet to hear one miss a cue or act out of character.
This story concerns Tessie Bear (Sarah Allardice 10). She is anxious about the state of Mr Noah’s (Alexander Jochheim’s) Ark. Animals are hungry and the Ark requires repairs. As poor Mr Noah has no money, helped by Noddy (Mia Dippenaar 12), Tessie Bear sets out collecting coins to help Mr Noah. Of course Big Ears (Charlie Keegan), Mr Plod (Cameron Harrison), Bumpy Dog (Sophia Turner 8) and Tubby Bear (Rachel Murray 8) all assist her.
The star is 4 year-old Emily Groenewald
As do pretty Mrs Doll (Alexandra Murray 8) in her pink sparkly dress, Maya Doll (Maya Davidson 7) and Layyah Doll (Layyah Arnold 6) in their spotted dresses and hair ribbons.
Thank goodness for motor mechanic Mr Sparks (Emma Batten 13). He manages to fix Noddy’s famous Parp, Parp, yellow and red car when Tubby Bear pours lemonade into the petrol tank – because he thinks the car is thirsty.
Naturally there are “baddies” – Sly (Nathan Fredericks) and Gobbo (Natasha Laing). They steal Tessie Bear’s money tin, as well as Big Ears washing. Their tricks and antics make audience kiddies laugh. But the show’s star is 4 year-old Emily Groenewald. As Whiskers, crawling around Meowing, this tiny child performed impeccably.
Set against a Toyland scene More Adventures of Noddy will amuse tiny tots (and their parents).
What: More Adventures of Noddy
Where: Artscape’s Theatre Foyer, Cape Town
When: Until 15 July, 2017
Book: www.computicket.co.za, Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695
WS
