Review: FABLES FROM THE KITCHEN TABLE, Stute Theatre

Aesop’s Fables may date back to the 6th Century but they are commonplace in homes and schools to this day. In the current climate, Stute Theatre have taken those classic tales of morality and reinvigorated them for a modern age.

The 45-minute show, which wouldn’t feel out of place being performed in a Children’s Library, teaches young children important life lessons in a playful and imaginative way.

Opening at Tameside Libraries and hosted on Zoom webinar, Manchester-based performer Sophia Hatfield is a one-woman band in front of the camera, navigating her way through her contemporary re-telling of three famous stories by using her endless creativity and skills as an actor-musician; playing the accordion, ukelele and kazoo amongst other instruments throughout the show.

Rachel Shore’s design is busy and childlike without feeling amateur. Every prop used is an item that can be found around the house, encouraging imagination and reinforcing that anything is possible to the children watching. Sarah Richardson’s direction ensures that Hatfield is always active and engaged, and although the piece is in relatively short segments, she is fully committed from start to finish. Hatfield uses short breaks between stories to reset her props (and have a breather!) ready for the next one, but asks for audience feedback using the chat function on Zoom during these times. This surprisingly doesn’t slow up the pace.

The camera angle may have been fairly static but there is good use of tilt and close up shots to give each story a bit of variation. Much of the music is played live by Hatfield whilst singing, but occasional incidental music is also used to keep the audience in the action.

Although the performance can be accessed from anywhere, the virtual tour is around the North West of England. Hatfield’s native accent is used to warming, familiar effect with her diction crystal clear.

Fun, effective and engaging.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.