• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides

Around at Jackson’s Lane

April 13, 2017 by Maggie Kelly Leave a Comment

Review of: Around at Jackson's Lane

Reviewed by: Maggie Kelly
Rating:
3
On April 13, 2017
Last modified:April 14, 2017

Summary:

A charming if slightly disconnected children's circus piece.

More Details

Reviewing a children’s show when not a child remains a rather tall order, seeing as I am absolutely nothing like the intended audience, and indeed feel rather self-consciously ‘adult’ whenever I squeeze my way into a theatre full of laughing, fidgety 5+s. It is for this reason that I intend to refer intermittently to the words of a particularly vocal 6-year old boy sitting in the row behind me, who was utterly determined to keep his mother (and therefore most of the families around) up-to-date with what was happening onstage by providing a full running commentary of the entire piece. My thanks go to him, a career in reviewing is his for the taking when older.

Around by Race Horse Company loosely takes place in a circus-like atmosphere, consisting mainly of acrobatic feats strung together with animal masks and a banana-pooping actor in a banana costume. My companion behind me loved this particular aspect of the piece, remarking rather sagely for one his age that ‘if I kept him as a pet we would never have to go shopping again’, displaying an apt economic mind as well as an opinionated one. However, while the individual circus sections kept the children rapt, the connecting sections seemed to falter somewhat. Relying completely on mime means having to wholly capture the attention and the imagination of those watching, and these small interlude moments weren’t quite clear enough to give the piece enough of a narrative. I can’t help feeling that some sort of story stringing the play together, however simple, would have given the piece an arc that it is currently lacking. As Mr Vocal behind me complained of one of the juggling sections ‘but why is he throwing balls? He threw balls 10 minutes ago already’.

Disregard these connecting sections, however, and it is completely impossible not to marvel at the talent of the performers involved. Very simple ideas, such as a section including a screen and three elephant masks, were met with screams of delight from all around me. The music was gloriously atmospheric and some bubble-play in particular was hugely enjoyed (although upstaged by an errant red balloon). It is just a shame that the level of attention obviously payed to these amazing circus moments was not matched by the vision of the show as a whole.

Despite these shortcomings, all of the children around me plainly had a glorious time – my back-row friend gasped aloud when Kalle Lehto rolled out a carpet for use later in the piece. This is the first time I have ever experienced a ‘WOW’ of amazement stemming from the simple sight of a carpet being placed, and is undoubtedly testament to the atmosphere of wonder Race Horse Company meticulously created throughout.

Author: Maggie Kelly

Filed Under: Review

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Fraser Grace talks about Bliss at the Finborough Theatre

Written by Fraser Grace (Breakfast with Mugabe, RSC), Bliss is based on a short story by censored writer Andrey Platonov. It’s at Finborough [Read More]

NEWS / Japanese Romeo and Juliet to the songs of Queen announced

Coming to Sadler’s Wells in September as part of its world tour, A Night At The Kabuki is a retelling [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Paul O’Donnell talks about Shoot Festival

Shoot Festival returns this year with a mix of commissioned pieces and showcases of the best of Coventry’s arts scene. [Read More]

Review / The Man who Knew Too Much at Omnibus Theatre

A packed Omnibus Theatre lapped up the entertaining antics of The Man Who Knew Too Much. Co-Director and Co-writer Olivia [Read More]

Spotlight / Inua Ellams at 05Fest Lewisham

Inua Ellams, the Albany and WE ARE LEWISHAM  presents………. 05Fest, 10 – 19 March Poetry takes front and centre stage [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Fraser Grace talks about Bliss at the Finborough Theatre
  • Writing the Perfect Press Release
  • Japanese Romeo and Juliet to the songs of Queen announced
  • Kim Scopes tells us about Somewhere To Belong
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Inside Pussy Riot at the Saatchi Gallery
  • Into the Woods, Northern Ireland Opera
  • Katy Owen: Auditioning for Oxford School of Drama
  • The Pay’s the Thing: Making a Living as an Actor
  • Maggie Kelly
    Author

  • April 13th, 2017
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2022 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!