one4review | On 13, Aug 2018

We begin by meeting our storyteller, The Story Beast – who is brilliantly played by John Henry Falle. Thus begins an hour of high energy storytelling, interspersed with audience participation, the appearance of Mandy the witch and a reciting of Beowulf.

I feel bad giving this show two stars as it has the potential to be brilliant. John Henry Falle is a talented story teller. He has so much energy and stage presence, its impossible to take your eyes of him. The problem with this show is that it doesn’t know what it is. Mandy the witch seems like a character who was brought in just to give laughs and add some excitement, which she does. She does not fit in with the theme of the show though, and attempts at audience participation seem forced and do not add to the stories being told.

The show is advertised for children aged 6 and over. This is fine for all the witch and silly stuff, but the monologues are too long and complicated for young children. On the other hand, if the show was for older children, all the witch stuff would be too babyish and, frankly annoying.

Despite the great performances, we left the show somewhat confused.

Reviewed by Claire
Pleasance Courtyard, 15:15
Aug 14-26