It was only a matter of time before someone linked the wilds of the jungle to the vigour of the Valleys.
And who better than Hijinx Theatre's writer and director, Greg Cullen.
He and the four-strong cast infuse the story of a teenager, who is returned to her South Wales family after countless years with a group of chimpanzees in the jungle, with charm, wit and a powerful central message.
Sheltered from the outside world by her mother we watch how our young heroine goes from monkeyesque outbursts to understanding the realities of life, love and heartbreak.
Actress Lucy Rivers is excellent as Anne, the Tarzanne of the piece. At first appearing as a kind of human-come-ape-woman, Rivers manages to retain Anne's inocent outlook and simple language throughout the play.
The rest of the cast provides excellent good-humoured support.
The Hijinx Theatre Company has garnered a reputation as one of the best small scale production companies in UK with plays like Paul Robeson Knew My Father and On the Road Again.
Tarzanne-Queen of the Valley should ensure that this reputation remains intact. |
