one4review | On 09, Aug 2022

Cat in the Hat launches your morning with fun and frenzy for young and young at heart! We meet our bored children in an illustrated style stage as they bemoan a wet day and they can’t go out and play. I promise I won’t rhyme anything else. Dr. Seuss’s words are brought to life by a very energetic ensemble. I went with 2 small children and they were thrilled throughout, the audience interaction was by far the highlight with bubbles, balloons, and Things 1 and 2 causing mischief and mayhem!

Our central character is a mix of Bert Lahr’s 1939 cowardly lion and Cesar Romero’s 1960s Joker as he creates wonderful havoc, all at the detest of the house’s fish, wonderfully performed through puppetry. All supporting actors are doing their best to bring the energy which did make the Cat’s subtler approach feel a bit lacklustre in parts but your younger children will be delighted they got to see the hat in the flesh all the same. It is a big hat to fill! At moments I wasn’t completely sure what was going on but lots of joyous giggling was happening and really that’s the point, isn’t it?

A great way to start the day.

****

Reviewed by Matthew

Pleasance Courtyard – Pleasance One

10.00 (50 mins)

Until 22nd Aug (not 17th)