Once Upon A Fire: grab the kiddies & go

Once Upon A Fire is great.

It should, however, be correctly categorised as Family Fare / Children’s Theatre… I love watching kiddy shows but I just like to know beforehand that’s what I’ll be doing.

OK. Nevertheless:

The show is vibey and jivey and jazzy. The performers, David Matamela, Macmillan Mabaleka and Sandile Shabangu, work hard to keep the crowd happy and there’s lovely interaction with the little ones in the audience. And, granted, a number of chuckles are raised from us bigger ones too.

The sweet story about the prince finding his courage sends a great message about overcoming one’s fears. The performers perfectly embody every animal known to man along the journey and employ song and dance and puppet work and shadow play to tell their story… it’s visually stimulating and should keep the focus of any ADHD suffering child.

It needs tightening in some places – a little too much fabric-dancing which remains the same and becomes monotonous. And there are a couple of awkward transitions which effect the rhythm every now and then.

But overall it’s a bright and bubbly, fun and friendly piece of theatre. The children in front of me were practically falling out of their chairs and squealing with delight throughout. I recommend grabbing your kids and getting there – they’ll be greatly entertained and will probably learn an important thing or two too.

– Sarah Roberson

Click here for production info. Once Upon A Fire is on tomorrow 07 July @ 12pm @ Centenary Hall.