I have to say that the word on the street from the mums’ network wasn’t encouraging. Still, I pottered down to Richmond Theatre to see for myself. The gang of excited little girls aged from two to seven years old all dressed up as sparkly princesses and pretty ballerinas brandishing their Angelina cut-outs on sticks made the trip worthwhile in itself. Pink, pink and more pink.
There was a bit of fidgety jiggling as the orchestra tuned up and the intro music played and then we were off. The small people were captivated by the dancers on the stage – apart from a little girl close to me who asked her mum what was happening every step of the way. (Good explanations from her mum, by the way).
We were encouraged to clap. And cheer. And dance. And we did. Even the mums and dads and grandparents. And in the aisles.
I admit that I have seen more sophisticated dancing and tuneful singing – but this was a kids’ show and overall it was jolly fun with a good natured gender battle (pirates, superheroes and monsters versus fairies, princesses and ladybirds) and a healthy moral to the story (all about team work).
I liked too that all the girls had shapely, athletic bodies rather than anorexic stick frames – good role models. The lead was played by Joanna Gregory who captured her character well and wasn’t as sickly sweet as I’d feared she might be. The guys were fun and down-to-earth – especially cheeky AJ (played by Tyler Scott). I’d risk taking a young man to the performance as it wasn’t all about the girls.
The mirror ball-lit finale was a burst of bright, unconventional, colourful costumes (including some sparkles, of course) – blending both boy and girl favourites and with music that ranged from classical and jazz to hip hop and Latino. Something for everyone.
The show lasts just 55 minutes. And all the small people I saw seemed delighted with it. So I think that the mum’ network was wrong on this occasion.
If you’re quick you can catch the show tomorrow (Sunday 10th August) at Richmond Theatre at 11am and 130pm. Then it continues on its tour – nearby London locations include Watford and Dartford.
http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/angelina-ballerina-2/richmond-theatre/
http://www.angelinaballerinalive.com/
