one4review | On 06, Aug 2013

Dinosaur and adventures fan Flinn and his friends Pearl and Tom are a boisterous trio, setting off for another day’s exciting adventure of school with gusto, energy, and scooters that double as wings.

It’s only after they get to school that the real adventure begins, when their teacher sends them on a treasure hunt, and they find a pirate captain sobbing in the art cupboard.

From there, at whirlwind pace, Flinn is made Captain, and all four of them set off to get the original captain’s ship back from the pirates who stole it. Only these are no ordinary pirates. They’re dinosaurs – and pretty impressive ones too.

Using minimal props, the cast of four transform themselves to become dinosaurs, fight dinosaurs, and eventually, make friends with the dinosaurs. The stage also transforms at speed, from Flinn’s bedroom, to the schoolroom, art cupboard, and pirate ships.

There were plenty of throwaway lines solely for the entertainment of the parents, and the odd song.

If it lacked anything, it was direct audience interaction, although they scootered through. There were moments when the ‘children’ on stage could have led the audience children to join in the songs, which would have been welcomed.

All in all, a brilliant romp, for a wide age range, and (despite the title screaming “aimed at small boys”) both genders. I’m told this is adapted from a book, and we’re certainly going to look out for that, as well as further work from Les Petits Theatre Company.

Underbelly, Bristo Square.

To 26th August. 3pm.

Reviewed by Gill.