one4review | On 15, Aug 2012

Four Star

****

Giddy Goat is afraid to jump, which makes it pretty difficult to play rock rounders with his brother and sister. His identity crisis is a pity, because it’s clearly established: “it’s great to be a goat” and all his other ideas for what to be involve jumping too. So, on the advice of Scottish Uncle Hoof, he heads off on his singing tea-tray, down the mountain to find himself – and despite initial rejection, ends up rescuing a lamb.

Giddy’s tale is told with energy, enthusiasm, and just the right amount of interaction with its young audience. Adapted from the children’s book of the same name (by Jamie Rix), it was enchanting even for those who don’t know the original. This is a tale of getting past your fear, of learning who you are, and your place in the world, and a tale of tolerance of other cultures.

There’s a lot to love in this show, not least the cast’s high energy commitment to it, and ability to dance and simultaneously sing clearly. In other hands, this could have been merely pleasant – as it was, it was great to watch this goat.

Reviewed by Gill Smith

C venues

Until 27th August

12:15 to 13:05