Review: THE FAMOUS FIVE, Chichester Festival Theatre
Photo credit: The Other Richard
Beloved children’s author Enid Blyton has sold over 500 million copies of her books, which have been translated into over 40 languages and adapted for the big and small screens. Now, a brand-new musical based on The Famous Five is entrancing audiences at Chichester Festival Theatre.
This new adaptation is beautifully written by Elinor Cook, and loses none of the magical charm of Blyton’s storytelling.
We meet three of The Famous Five, Julian, Dick and Anne as they are travelling to Kirran to meet their cousin George for the first time. George (Maria Goodman) is not thrilled at the prospect of these new visitors, and sings about her displeasure in the opening number of the show - ‘Is It Me?’ The fifth member of the gang, Timmy the dog, is soon introduced - embodied by a particularly beautiful puppet, masterfully animated by Ailsa Dalling and Elisa De Grey.
The four title humans (sorry Timmy!) are played with a wonderfully child-like innocence and thirst for adventure. Isabelle Methven as Anne is a jarring juxtaposition to Maria Goodman as George, which is perfectly highlighted in their number ‘Why Is She Like That?’. Anne’s trusting nature and natural naivety are highlighted further when she meets the mysterious Rowena (Kibong Tanji), an artist with suspicious motives for visiting the sleepy seaside village of Kirran.
Anne’s brothers, Dick and Julian, differ from one another just as greatly as their female counterparts. Dewi Wykes as Julian gives a convincing performance of a 14-year-old boy who should know better, but isn’t quite ready to let go of his lust for adventure. Although that adventure must be well scheduled and properly planned ahead of time! Louis Suc as Dick is a carefree and fearless middle child, led mostly by his stomach and his reckless desire to ‘Jump, Fly, Fall’ to which an entire number is devoted in Act Two. Comical moments are peppered throughout the show in the form of the slightly hapless Bobby (Sam Harrison) - alternately a station master, ticket collector, postman, lifeguard, evil sidekick and then station master again, all portrayed through a wonderful collection of hats!
All of the characters are believable, and very likeable - even the prickly George. We cannot help but be invested in their collective fates, as they come up against an unlikely foe and ultimately come up trumps! The slightly saccharine sweet ending does not detract from the mild peril faced by the youngsters, and hints at the many more adventures that Blyton has in store for the five.
While the songs are a pleasant addition to the piece and help to move the story along, there are no real stand out numbers. The set is simple but very effective, with two large trees that double as climbing frames as the centrepiece, and Johanna Town’s lighting design helps transform the stage into a warm family home, the forest at night, and the English coastline on a sunny day.
Enid Blyton’s first Famous Five tale, ‘Five on a Treasure Island’, was published in 1942 and 80 years on, it would be easy for the story to feel dated, with little significance to modern day life. However, this production has tapped into the very essence of what it is to be a child, to yearn for adventure and a world where adults are merely in the periphery rather than the key players.
The Famous Five is the perfect theatrical treat for the whole family - ideally to be enjoyed with lashings of ginger beer!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
The Famous Five plays at Chichester Festival Theatre until 12 November, with tickets available here.