Children’s theatre company Blunderbus is returning to Brentford’s Watermans arts centre with a Christmas treat for youngsters – a new version of the much-loved fairytale The Adventures of Pinocchio, writes Will Gore.
The show, which opens on Thursday, tells Carlo Collodi’s well-known story of Pinocchio, a naughty puppet who is fashioned from an enchanted block of wood by the kind-hearted craftsman Geppetto.
Pinocchio dreams of becoming a real boy but gets into all kinds of trouble while trying to achieve his goal, with his nose growing whenever he tells a lie.
Blunderbus’s Jeannette Longworth says the company can’t wait to get back on the Watermans stage with their new production, which has been carefully tailored for the arts centre’s theatre space.
“The set has been specifically designed to fit the Watermans stage,” she explains.
“There is a revolving stage for Geppetto’s workshop – it will work really well in the space because the theatre is so intimate.”
Longworth says the story of Pinocchio is perfect for a Blunderbus makeover, with larger-than-life acting, audience participation, and music thrown into the mix.
“We look for stories with certain elements that will translate well to the stage,” she adds.
“Pinocchio translates really well because it is a really active story. He has lots of adventures and there are all of these different episodes that can be dropped into a play.
“Some stories are really beautiful but, when you break them down, they don’t translate well as they do not offer enough scope for audience interaction.
“We did a different version of Pinocchio three years ago and so we are aware of how well it can work. Our show is nothing like the Disney version as it is more faithful to Collodi’s book.”
Appropriately for the story of Pinocchio, puppetry looms large in the show.
“We have some beautiful puppets,” says Longworth.
“The Blue Fairy is a marionette puppet operated by strings – she looks absolutely beautiful.”
The Adventures of Pinocchio, Watermans Arts Centre, Brentford, December 10 to 23, visit watermans.org.uk
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