Review: DONALD AND BENOIT, Pitlochry Festival Theatre - Sound Stage

Anyone looking for alternative Christmas entertainment for the kids this year need look no further than Jeanine Byrne’s adaptation of John Byrne’s tale Donald and Benoit.

Directed by Elizabeth Newman and Ben Occhipinti, it tells the enchanting story of the friendship between Benoit, (played by Ross Baxter) and his lovable, but noisy kitten Donald (played by Connor Going).  Until Donald arrives, Benoit lives a pretty mundane life, but feeling lonely with no Mother and a Father lost at sea, in steps Donald to keep his spirits up and keep him company until his Father’s safe return.

The relationship between our two main characters is adorable.  Benoit teaches Donald to read and his learning leads to Donald auditioning for the only rock and roll band in the small seaside town, which just happens to made up of dogs!

It has a beautiful underlying message of equality, by pointing out that dogs shouldn’t dislike Donald just because he is a cat and just because that’s what their parents did.  It is much better for them all to live in harmony and understanding.

With music composed by Occhipinti, the lyrics being suitably performed by cats and dogs will have children highly entertained and laughing out loud. Also, the animals talking and acting like people makes it easy for younger children to follow.

So, if you want to join Donald and Benoit on an adventure this Christmas, get listening to this clever production.

It’s purr-fectly entertaining!

**** Four Stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Donald and Benoit is available from 17-19 December here.