'The grass isn't always greener on the other side of the bridge' Unless it's London Bridge where Unicorn Theatre is mesmerising young theatre goers once again.
​The Three Billy Goats Gruff return to the Unicorn Theatre for a triumphant encore, following their hugely successful run last Easter. This vibrant musical retelling of the classic fable caused quite a stir with its toe-tapping tunes and playful antics, leaving audiences bleating for more. Now, we have the chance to witness all the fun and frolic on the bridge in this hotly anticipated, welcomed return. Will the billy goats outwit the grumpy troll once more? We ventured over the river to find out.
Ten minutes early, with the auditorium bell just ringing we tiptoed in to find the show had already begun! A moss-covered troll grumbles on stage, wielding a paintbrush and muttering about "pesky goats." With a grumble, he calls on the children to help with his poor spelling and their eager corrections fill the air transforming the gruff monster into a bumbling idiot. A clever prelude, indeed. (For those fretting over trollish terror, arrive early!)
The story is mostly what you would expect - three hungry goats - Big Middle and Baby - are seduced by greener pastures in a neighbouring valley only accessible via a bridge manned by a treacherous troll. With the help of Little Bo Frilly (Little Bo Peep's less famous little sister) they devise a plan to conquer the troll, have him turned to stone by the power of sunlight and reach the bountiful valley. Only to discover it was all a trick and the grass wasn't greener on the other side after all.
It's a familiar story but this retelling is modern and fresh to its core. The goats dance their way on to the stage but don't be fooled by their twee cords and fair isle jumpers - this funky threesome can rap, lock and pop like its second nature.The character of Little Bo frilly, like an alternative Shirley Temple is wonderfully refreshing. Lighting up the stage with her sass, cheek and warm grins she flies in the face of everything we know about her placid sister.
It's a remarkable cast of 5. But the show is stolen by the one and only Troll. Brandishing his big belly, hunched back and green mohawk - he is at times terrifying but mostly funny. My children watched wide eyed as he languished around the stage serenading his love of eating goat 'I'm a glutton for mutton', salivating at bones with pepper mill in hand ready to season his prey. It sounds pretty gruesome but the children loved it!
The show is an easy watch for both parents and Kids, with an eclectic musical score from Olivier award-winning composers Stiles and Drewe ( Mary Poppins, Honk!) paired with captivating feel good choreography by Shanelle 'Tali' Fergus.
Young families will delight in this immersive theatrical experience, brimming with audience interaction and infectious enthusiasm. With a running time of just 55 minutes this is the perfect first musical or first theatre experience for young children but equally a wonderful treat for older siblings. Once again the Unicorn impresses with a high level of production value more akin to the West End but without the prohibitive price tag.
The Three Billy Goats Gruff is showing at The Unicorn Theatre until 18th February 2024 and is aimed at Ages 3-7yrs. More info Here
Cast and Creative Team:
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