Once again Capital E has created a fantastic holiday program. My 5 ½ year old granddaughter and I were thrilled to see the lastest show ‘Grandad’s Lucky Storm.’ This is a very different, but thoroughly engaging show!
Firstly the audience are all ushered to Grandad’s place, where Grandad opens the door announcing that we’re early. We were ushed into his living room which is more of a shed than a living room, cluttered with motorbike parts and other paraphanelia, setting the scene for an interesting experience for his grandchild (all 30 of us)!
This is an intimate show with only 30 seats created by cushions and a couple of old couches in Grandad’s living room. A storm, pirate and many other characters absorb the young (and older audience), all played by one actor (Jason Whyte) who is a very compelling story teller. He certainly holds the attention of the 5-8 year old audience for the one hour duration of the show.
This no ordinary, run-of the-mill Grandad!
I’m liking
Grandad’s Lucky Storm offers a very different experience for the young audience, encouraging them to participate and they become part of the story. I real like that this show uses very basic props but that the actor manages to scare, humour and entertain the audience.
Caitlin liked that Grandad was pretending it was raining outside when we arrived at his door. Grandad was very good at being a pirate and telling stories.
Things that made me go hmmmm
Probably some of the ‘lingo’ and ‘one-liners’ would go over the head of most 5-8 years olds but I’m sure they accepted this as part of the quirkiness of ‘Grandad.’
There was nothing Caitlin didn’t like.
The conclusion
Recommended for ages 5 – 8, Grandad’s Lucky Storm is a show that offers plenty to entertain and engage children, parents and grandparents. Overall this show was certainly not what I expected but it was great to be surprised and impressed. I looked around during the show and every pair of eyes was fixed on Grandad telling his story. I’m sure all the kids (and adults) went home chatting about the show. Caitlin and I would certainly highly recommend Grandad’s Lucky Storm!
Hannah Playhouse (formerly Downstage Theatre), Wellington, 5 July 2014 – 19 July 2014.
