| Charming and gently ingenious... |
Theatr Iolo |
| Theatr Iolo- Under the Carpet , Chapter Arts Centre Cariff , May 11, 2007 |
It is now over twenty years that an official report acclaimed the great strengths of the Theatre In Education companies based in Wales. Since that time the companies, despite a now almost forgotten threat from the then Welsh Arts Council, have gained an even greater respect that goes far beyond Wales. One of the leading organisations in this field, serving Cardiff and The Vale of Glamorgan, Theatr Iolo is for the moment focusing its sights on the very youngest, nursery age children. Director Sarah Argent whose command and sensitivity seems to know no bounds worked with staff and pupils, with happy co-operation, at Barry Island Nursery in the Vale and Moorlands and Ninian Park Nursery schools in Cardiff. “ In thirty years of teaching, working with Theatr Iolo has been one of the most memorable highlights of my teaching career.” Ann Kitchen, Head Teacher, Ninian Park Argent took with her into the schools a suitcase of familiar household objects. She let the children rummage amongst them and carefully listened to their comments and encouraged them to tell her how some of the objects related to their life at home. From this ‘research’ with her team of actors, Steve Hickman and Iwan Tudor, designer Charlotte Neville, Musical Director Jak Poore and Education Officer Glenys Evans the script for this delightful and completely engaging play was distilled. Those organisations responsible for the promotion of new writing for theatre in Wales should keep their eye on these creative tiny-tots. To say this was a performance full of charm is almost to stereotype it and undermine its gentle ingenuity. Tudor and Hickman were Cannon and Ball or The Chuckle brothers in panto mood but with much more finesse and a far greater understanding of how to play to and completely captivate their young audience. Whilst they were always very funny and skilfully played guitars, fiddles and a ukulele they also had a dream – like quality about them. You could almost see them as part of the totally absorbed young audience’s imaginings. The boys played tricks on one another, but they are really very fond of each other, Lol, Hickman has brought a present for Nono’s birthday. They chased a bee with a rolled up newspaper then flattened it with a smoothing iron – but it was only a pretend bee. They eat a huge plate of chocolate and lemon cakes which turned out to be .... but that would be telling! Nonno, has a lot to say and sing about a button missing off his smart waistcoat. Eventually Lol finds Nono’s button, you guessed it – Under the Carpet where many other secrets lay! |
Reviewed by: Michael Kelligan |
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