one4review | On 10, Aug 2025

Hoglets Theatre’s deep-sea tale follows a lonely whale who sings into the blue and hears nothing back until a mysterious voice drifts through the water and sets him searching. The story threads through glowing coral caves, wibbly jellyfish swarms and the hush of the midnight zone, with friendly encounters (a fizzing turtle, a watchful moray eel) and obstacles (clamorous ship noise that drowns out songs). Beautiful puppets and original music carry the action, while playful ocean facts, hydrothermal vents, the enormity of whales, and the sheer scale of the sea bubble up without feeling like a lesson. There’s even a cute epilogue that gently widens the show’s theme: our voices change the world when we sing them together. It’s a classic quest, told simply and tenderly, about difference, belonging and finding the harmony that fits.

As an experience, this is welcoming and delightfully, at times, hands-on. Children become part of the shoal, some crowned “king of the jellyfish”, others helping on stage, so the room feels alive with ripples of laughter and small acts of bravery. The songs are catchy and easy to join; call-and-response moments bloom into warm, collective sound. The puppets have a lovely handmade charm that really suits the ocean vibe, and Gemma Curry guides the audience with an easy, humorous touch, keeping nerves low and curiosity high. The show flows between gentle giggles and calm, starry quiet, giving younger viewers space to breathe before the next splash of action.

The show’s strengths are clear: heartfelt storytelling, inviting music and an inclusive design that treats children as collaborators, not just spectators. A couple of sequences run a shade long, the playful riff on “how huge is huge?” and the jellyfish parade, but trimming these would sharpen momentum without dimming joy. Occasionally lyrics are swallowed by crowd energy, so a breath’s pause before key lines would help the message land. Still, this is a warm recommendation for families seeking a kind, gently adventurous time. The take-home QR code for making your own whale puppet is a lovely touch, extending the show’s central idea: your voice and your creation deserve to be heard.

****

Reviewed by Matthew

Underbelly Bristo Square