Pinocchio

This Lancasire town's (Darwen's) new Library Theatre is playing host to Pinocchio for its very first Christmas entertainment. Fun stories, rather than pantomimes, would seem an appropriate choice for this venue. Darwen's show is inventively and colourfully staged. It has much charm but does sometimes stray into pantomime. Humour and audience responses should be coming from the story.

Suzanne Proctor is utterly captivating in the title role. She has an appealing tomboyish quality and her acting is always thorough. Her puppet movements are a delight, almost balletic in their artistry.

There is good support from the promising Steven Smallwood, playing Chiminy Cricket, and Arnie Breen, who plays not one but three villains. The Susan Chippendale Dancers contribute some effective 'mood' dancing and memorable vignettes.

George Critchley has produced the show, written the script and also plays the character Smart Alec. He should be invited back for next year's show; this is a good start to what could become a Christmas tradition.

The Stage


pinocchio
pinocchio - graphic from brochure