It’s a rainy day, and yet there doesn’t appear to be anything better to do apart from stare at the continual rain drops trickling down the window. As Sally and her brother obediently wait for their mother to return home, what better way to spend the time than to help out with the housework, or catch up on the latest homework due in for the next day… not!
As a mysterious cat in a very iconic red and white striped hat appears at the siblings household, all rules are thrown out of the window as the household is turned upside down. Dr Seuss‘ much loved classic wreaks havoc at the Pleasance Theatre, adding a touch of festivity to the christmas season. Robert Hannouch and Cassandra Harris bring to life the two protagonists in the book with a spritely and youthful energy, whilst Hannah Vesty displays brilliant comic timing as the Fish, a parental figure and moral compass that can only watch on from her fish bowl as chaos takes over the household.
Ashley Bates‘ Cat dazzles with broadway jazz hands and sharp dance moves, however misses the charisma and mystique expected of the Cat in the Hat. The sibling’s immediately accept the appearance of the cat, and therefore the performance lacks the intrigue and nuance needed to really make the production magical.
Lillie Collier‘s production engages the young audience members by switching from brief moments of speech to endearing physical theatre sequences that speak louder than words. The cast members interaction with the audience merges reality with the fantastical world of these characters, making the characters very accessible. David shield‘s set design beams with the eccentricity of Dr Seuss’ Illustrations, bringing an air of familiarity to the performance whilst Barbara William‘s costume designs transport the audience to Dr Seuss’s quirky world of blue haired Things and 6 ft, red and white striped hat wearing cats! 3/5
Review written by Lucy Basaba.
Cat in the Hat is currently showing at the Pleasance Theatre until Sunday 4th January. For more information on the production, visit here…
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