NEVER, ever, make a promise that you can’t keep. That’s the message behind Bumblefly’s 2018/19 show, touring until 13th January.
Dom Phillips was stage manager for Forest Forge for many years, quietly honing his acting skills, and when Bumblefly emerged four years ago, there he was on stage. Since then he has delighted young audiences with inventive, colourful, musical shows, and the latest, again written and directed by David Howarth, is a joy.
The travelling players set up on a real theatre set, complete with curtains, as they unfold the story of the little man who can spin straw into gold, but wants to exact a cruel revenge for his work. Like all Bumblefly shows, the main story is punctuated by other tales, some well known and others more obscure.
Again this year the company includes Wiltshire-based actress and theatre maker Anna Harriott, joined by well known Dorset storyteller Michele O’Brien. The trio bring to life an avaricious king, a befuddled miller, a hesitant prince, a determined girl and a very strange little man. Oh, and a glimmering moon.
And in between their story we learn about the Japanese woman who always looked on the bright side, the auditions for the little pig who wanted to fly, and lots more too.
The action is fast and funny, holding the attention of even the youngest audience members – real fun for all the family.
GP-W
See the show at Ferndown Barrington Centre on 9th or Hangar Farm in Totton on 13th January. Visit the Bumblefly website for details.