It’s an unlikely Christmas hit. A story about a pair of hyenas living incognito as humans in conventional suburbia. Yet Julian Clary’s kooky adaptation of his best-selling book is just that – a festive triumph that will elicit peals of laughter from youngsters and knowing chuckles from grown ups. Â In this ‘The Bolds Theatre Review‘ a London family relive their visit to London’s Unicorn Theatre.
Unfamiliar with the Bolds, we embarked on the stage show with no expectations, but within ten minutes, the captivating performance had us hooked. Two Hyenas, Amelia and Ted have assumed the identities of a couple of explorers eaten by crocodiles in an African safari park. Armed with their passports and dressed in their clothing (with their tales tucked in) they make it back to the UK, where they slip into the rhythms of suburban bliss as bonafide Teddington gentry.
The next two hours fly by and see the loveable Bolds and their now grown twins Betty and Boo questioning this ‘better life’ in their two legged world and feeling the instinctual pull back to their ancestral homeland. This leads them to visit the wild animals in their local wildlife park and an elaborate plan to escape an elderly hyena unfolds.
All goes to plan but their midnight shenanigans raise the eyebrows of surly Scottish nosy neighbour and curtain twitcher Mr McNumpty who looks set to expose the family of hyenas and their true identities.
It’s a fast moving story that is carried along by infectious laughter and an endless flurry of Christmas Cracker jokes many of which the children are still retelling a week later and a smattering of toilet talk and bottom references. I have never heard a more resounding roar of giggles as when Mr Bold proclaims ‘we laugh, we scavenge and we wipe our bums on things’!
Author Julian Clary, short of an appearance himself is never far from the action. His voiceovers can be heard from time to time and his wicked wit and unsurpassed innuendo are unmistakable. (‘He likes an iced ring‘ caused quite a stir in our sitting.)
The improbable friendship and suggested romance between Mr McNumpty and the old hyena Uncle Tony, brings a lovely unforeseen twist and reminds its young audience that love and friendship can be found in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Similarly the big reveal of Mr Mcnumpty’s own beastly secret over Christmas Lunch brings a fantastic pantomimic crescendo against a timely festive backdrop and sees Clary masterfully employing innuendo to playfully lead the audience astray, only to subvert expectations and leave us delightfully disarmed.
The vibrant set seamlessly transforms with trap doors and other clever tricks, while the production exudes a West End vibe with its high-energy musical numbers, heartfelt solos, and comical duets.
We were dazzled by the multitalented cast who made light work of the demanding choreography and even dabbled in instrumental accompaniment. The eclectic score of live music which blends jazz, swing and music hall was also a welcome surprise.
Overall we felt this was an exceptional show. As surreal as the plot may sound, Clary’s script is layered with nuggets of insight and numerous social lessons for its young audience on inclusion, acceptance of our differences and being sensitive to one another’s unique backstories.
With something for every member of the family this is a yuletide gem not to be missed!
The Bolds can be seen at The Unicorn Theatre until 31st December. Recommended for ages 6+
Cast seen and Creatives:
Sound design by Dinah Mullen
