It was an adventure just getting to this open air production. A short walk from Highgate tube and we entered Queen’s Woods to find a pretty red brick cottage that would have looked just fine in any storybook. It had an integrated covered terrace patio to guard against the sun or the rain – and contained a lovely café with parquet floors and soft sofas. The coffee was good and we were tempted to buy a picnic here to take to the show. However, the cleverly camouflaged jungle walkway (ages 5-9 years) outside demanded our attention.
The signs urged us to take the low road and so we did, noting that it was suitable for buggies. We could hear distant music although we were surrounded by trees and green and birdsong. We came across a muddy pond encircled by a stick fence but carried on through the paths – watching for the next sign. Then we came to the frog pool with its observation platform – sadly this was also fenced off.
Finally we came to a clearing on a slight slope – there were two scaffolding towers with all manner of interesting and colourful things attached and a great tarpaulin in the centre. We placed our rug on here and waited excitedly with all the other families and kids. The average age of the children appeared to be around three. There was music playing which you could hardly hear with all the child chatter and adult nattering. The sun filtered through the tree canopy – it really was quite lovely.
Suddenly there was instant hush as one of the puppeteers walked the mother puppet around the edge of the tarpaulin. Then the human mum character – very Spanish and super smiley – appeared on one of the scaffolding frames. She tended her plants. Then, much to everyone’s delight – dad and daughter in splendid colourful costumes – appeared through the trees on a bicycle. There was much happiness as they set the scene for a party – bunting everywhere.
The music throughout was Spanish influenced – tangos, salsas and guitars. As the story unfolded, the action shifted from puppets to human characters and back again with ease. I couldn’t quite believe how puppet dancing could be so moving. The playful (sometimes naughty and daring) daughter delighted the children and her personality was just as evident in her human and puppet form.
The kids were spellbound as the daughter bounced on her elevated trampoline and suspended swing. And when mum and dad joined in the aerial dance the small and adult members of the audience remained riveted. There was joyful audience participation as we prepared for the storm – passing plants over our heads. And I have rarely seen such excitement as we all bounced under the blue voile during the flood. And you could feel the tension as the storm took a grip and our happy family were cast adrift on the sea – and squeals at the fish and even a shark.
The performance lasted about 40 minutes. There were very few words spoken with the story shown through the movement of the actors, the gestures of the puppets and the music and sound effects. There was always something to watch. The puppeteers were truly skilled. It was a rich and moving experience. And every one of those kids was utterly entranced by the whole thing. It was wonderful.
La Tempesta plays until Sunday 18th August. Further details from www.jacksonlane.org.uk (box office 020 8341 4421). Performances take place at 12pm and 3pm and advance tickets are £8.95 or £10 on the day. The production is by Scarabeus Aerial Theatre and Little Angel Theatre.
