Originally produced at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, a new musical adaptation of the classic children’s Pinocchio is currently receiving its UK Premiere this summer at the Greenwich Theatre. On Friday, the children, some friends and I headed up there to check it out.
Florence seemed to know a lot about the story of Pinocchio despite her only exposure to it being a brief interlude at Disney On Ice as far as I knew and she was super excited about seeing it. We didn’t know what to expect, or rather I didn’t. I think Florence thought it was going to be like a Disney show were looking forward to finding out!
Based on Carlo Collodi’s classic tale, Pinocchio tells the story of a wooden puppet yearning to be a real boy. Carved out of wood by the lonely toymaker Geppetto, Pinocchio tumbles from one disastrous situation to another in search of adventure — only to discover that, in the end, all he really needs is an unselfish heart and the love of his father. Feel good with a moral – perfect!
we were super excited at the theatre and loved the anticipation with the Pinoccio picture opportunities in the foyer!
The show was absolutely different to how Florence had envisaged and much darker than Disney with a very different edge. I think I liked it more and Florence definitely didn’t like it less, we loved the story from start to finish. She was a little disappointed at the very fleeting visists from the cricket and kept asking if ‘Jiminy Cricket’ would make a proper appearance but apart from that was just as happy to be watching this version as she was at Disney On Ice.
It was, I can only describe it as, like a mini West End production for children. There was a mini real orchestra and the songs completely gave it that feel which I loved.There was no interval but it didn’t lat too long and all three children sat enjoying the show the whole way through with Jimmy only getting slightly restless a few minutes before the end. It was lovely and the actors worked very hard while their costumes, set and props were extremely clever and aesthetically pleasing. We enjoyed it very much and in particular, the performance of the actress playing many roles but most notable that of the Puppet Theatre Manager. She reminded me of the actress Joan Cusack back in the film ‘Working Girl’ to look at and had similar deliveries. I love that film and she’s one of the best characters in it so it’s definitely a compliment (I must see if it’s on Netflix, haven’t seen it in ages)!
We really enjoyed it and the Greenwich Theatre, as always, impressed me as a venue. It’s cosy, intimateomfortable while being right next to the park for some fun afterwards!
Book tickets through the Greenwich Theatre Website. Ticket prices are £16, Concessions £13.50, Children £11 (£15, £12.50 and £10 tickets plus £1 booking fee).
We received complimentary tickets in return for an honest review.
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