Review: Le Gateau Chocolat’s I WISH - HOME Manchester

Photo credit: Shirlaine Forrest

I WISH is the story of a magical and sparkly fairy godmother Effie and her journey of wish granting. Co-created by Le Gateau Chocolat and Rachel Bagshaw (Artistic Director, Unicorn), with music and lyrics written by Seiriol Davies, this is a show that has joy at the very centre of its performance. Effie takes us on a journey through some familiar tales as we learn about how wishing may not be as simple as it seems.

Performed by all round theatre superstar Le Gateau Chocolat, the piece is both fun, comedic and engaging whilst telling a rather touching story about the importance of loving yourself, learning from ones mistakes and giving to those around you. Le Gateau Chocolat is the centre of this piece and an integral reason the show is successful in achieving its camaraderie with both adults and children. Armed with Seiriol Davies’s strong musical score and the voiceover of the narrator Julian Clary, Le Gateau Chocolat creates a wonderful world on stage. He is a talented performer with a confident and natural stage presence who plays Effie and the other characters we meet along the way beautifully.

Designer Ryan Dawson Light creates an enchanting set that draws both adults and the young audience in the moment you enter the theatre. The lighting also helps to create a fairytale like feel to the piece. The set and lights, alongside the beautiful and ever changing costumes, means there is constantly something new and exciting to engage with on stage. Whilst pitched to children to aged 3-7, the production has something for all audience members with its glittering appearance and powerful messages.

The interweaving of the classic fairy tales of Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan in fresh and original ways makes the story feel both familiar and different to the audience. This also helps to draw the younger audience into the narrative. On top of this, Le Gateau Chocolat’s interaction with the whole audience throughout the piece makes everyone feel involved with the story and provides comedic moments for adult and children alike. A buzz of excitement is created by how Le Gateau Chocolat is unafraid to run into the audience and interact with its members.

The perfect evening out for young families - a great way to kick off the festive period.

I WISH plays at HOME Manchester until 8 December, with further info here.