one4review | On 21, Aug 2024

How a Jellyfish Saved the World by Jam Jar Theatre Company is a fun but flawed attempt to combine puppetry, music, and an environmental message. The story follows Clyde, a jellyfish searching for a friend, who mistakenly befriends a plastic bag named Bubbles. While the concept is interesting, the execution falls short.

The show tries too hard to mimic Disney films, feeling overly similar to movies like Moana and The Little Mermaid, This makes it difficult for the show to stand out and be original, which might leave older audience members feeling disappointed.

The cast, however, does a great job. They bring lots of energy to the performance, and the puppetry is well done. The actors work hard to engage the audience, especially in interactive parts. But the story itself is a bit confusing, especially when it comes to the environmental message. Portraying a plastic bag as a friend sends mixed signals, particularly when trying to teach kids about pollution.

How a Jellyfish Saved the World is an enjoyable show with good intentions, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark.
3 1/2 ***
Reviewed by Matthew
Pleasance The Green