Imagine a whole world no bigger than a house. A planet that can be explored in a matter of minutes, yet it is the centre of a galaxy.
Halfastring brings this show to life through brilliant imagination, puppetry and original folk music.
 |
| Photo by Ben Wulf Photography. |
Chelmsford's second theatre is a really nice space, and upon entering we are presented with a mysterious globe, looking empty of life.
Then (unfortunately my first 'niggle' of the show), whilst we have this spectacular, smoke and light emitting, rotating orb, we are presented with a cardboard cutout of space ships and other planets. Why, when so much time and care is taken in other areas? This looked like a secondary thought. A real shame, and unusual from the quality I've seen before from this amazing group with 'Breathe'. A cardboard sign saying 'Meanwhile' used three times felt, I'll say 'unfinished', rather than lazy. I'd much have preferred everything to be crafted like the detail of the actual Tiny Planet.
As the play moves on we meet the main character. A puppet astronaut called Alma, a space-baker. She crashes on this uninhabitable tiny planet, needing to fix her ship so she can deliver a wedding cake! As time moves on, the planet starts to have life; rain clouds, plants, even dragonfly looking creatures. And as with 'Breathe', (Halfastring's epic show that I caught at the EdFringe in 2024), the puppetry and craftsmanship to bring this to life was exceptional.
I must say, the three cast members did everything to perfection; musicality, song, the intricate movement of Alma so you believe the puppet is real. But unlike 'Breathe' - where you felt it was a fully thought out, intelligent story who's message told you so much about evolution and nature, this seemed somewhat hollow.
I wonder whether aiming a show at a younger audience made the creative team decide an easier plot was best? The story failed to explain why this planet suddenly had life and what it was that made Alma connect with it? Maybe the show could've focused on Alma finding joy with the life on this rock, rather than the outer world exposition?
'Tiny Planet' feels far more like a show aimed at children with style over substance, where Half A String's other project felt fully formed and a message for all. This is not to say that it is not an engaging hour show. There are some lovely jokes, and the puppetry truly clever. I did really enjoy myself.
 |
| Photo by Ben Wulf Photography. |
The songs throughout are beautiful and sung with elegance. The musicianship is equally stunning, each actor knowing their craft to the fullest.
My overriding thoughts were that I wanted more from 'Tiny Planet', I wanted a piece of theatre I would wax lyrical over. Alas, this was just a nice afternoon and nothing more.
Well performed, beautiful music and songs, but a message which was lost.
⭐⭐⭐
Tiny Planet is touring until 26th April 2026. For dates and more information visit https://www.halfastring.co.uk/tour-dates.html
Post a Comment