one4review | On 06, Aug 2013

Done by Purves Puppets, the people behind fringe regulars Pips and Panda, this is adapted from the Stravinsky ballet, and so aimed at a slightly older audience than that – 6+. However, even for the numerous younger children there, it was an engaging, fun story, which kept their attention despite an interval.

This is all performed with glow in the dark puppets, but a darkened room and bold colours under the UV lights makes for a sense of occasion, and the moments of magic brought gasps.

With an evil wizard, long-suffering youngest prince Ivan, his jealous brothers, gutsy princess Zerena, and a magical grey wolf, as well as the twinkly firebird, the story is filled with bold characters and exciting twists and turns to the story.

Even more fun, after spending an hour or so enchanted by the characters, the young (and older!) audience get to meet the puppets at the end – the good guys, anyway.

 

South Leith Parish Church Halls

August 5-10, 12-13, 17, 14:00 (1hr 30mins)

Reviewed by Gill