Meet the inhabitants of an enchanted city, a place where rich and poor live side by side, as everyone comes together for one magical night at the theatre.
Nobody Owns the Moon is the latest edition from the creative minds at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre. An adaptation from the book by Australian author Tohby Riddle about two likable characters Clive the Fox and Humphrey the Donkey who reside in a bustling and often harsh city.
The story follows the two characters on their different paths. Clive the ever optimistic Fox thrives in his city life environment like no other fox (or human for that matter) but longs for his pal and the connection the two share. Humphrey on the other hand struggles with employment as he takes job after job in a witty series of firings. He too longs for his companion and there is a touching scene where poor Humphrey is forced to spend a night on the street, with only a reluctant pigeon for company.
A happy reunion and a little luck reminds us it’s the shared connections that bring a little magic to life, neither bought nor owned, much like the unposessable moon. An elaborate night out to the theatre in the final scenes echo this message in a rather hilarious Punch and Judyesque finale, perfectly performed by the ever energetic puppeteers.
As always at a Spare Parts production we are privy to the fantastic and cleverly used sets and amazing puppets. A tap dancing marionette cat, plump pigeons and some amazingly authentic looking masked characters are all brought to life with vigorous execution by the ever talented performers.
Children will be in awe as they witness the city backdrop take formation as buildings and inhabitants morph in and across the stage. The city lures the audience with an insight into the daily monotonous drawl, to the upbeat excitement of its night life! The stage is flooded with city lights, music, dancing and possibilities!
Nobody Owns the Moon doesn’t tempt to dull down the complexities of the two characters journey, nor does it shy away on more shady and confronting realities of the human experience. There were a few moments where the giggles and pointing from younger members of the audience were met with quiet contemplation, or in my sons case, confusion. However this opened up some interesting conversations on the car ride home on topics that required him to delve a little deeper.
Tohby Riddle’s book challenges its readers to experience an imperfect world. It is clear the late and very brilliant Noriko Nishimoto’s exquisite artistry has been delicately stamped upon this production with Director Michael Barlow and his amazing crew breathing it to life.
Reviewer Stephanie Rae Buggy Buddys