Manchester Theatre News & Reviews
REVIEW - Stick Man is a joyous watch for all ages, interactive and simply mesmerising!
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On Sunday, we went to Lowry, Salford to see Stick Man. See what our reviewer Erin had to say about this fun family show...
I just have to start out by saying this was such a nostalgic watch for me. I remember reading this book as a little girl and being completely mesmerised - the stage adaptation was no different. I was so excited to watch this show because I knew it would bring back fond memories, which undoubtedly happened. I loved the show, and I know that if I enjoyed it so much, just imagine the thrill it would bring to a beaming little child.
The story starts out with Stick Man taking a jog, but ends up on quite a few misadventures. He tries his very best to get back to the family tree, but it’s no use. Everywhere he turns, there’s more mischief just waiting round the corner. By the end of it Stick Man has been used as a dog toy, floated down a river out to sea, and even used as a flag on a sandcastle! All of Stick Man’s crazy experiences were brought to life through incredible musicianship, fantastic visual displays, and an all-round stage enthusiasm.
On first walking into the theatre, I was immediately intrigued by the variety of instruments on the left side of the stage. I was very interested to see how all these instruments would be used, and I was not disappointed. Moving to the middle of the stage, there was Stick Man’s family tree, but it was also transformed into a sandcastle later on in the show, which was another example of the amazing visual displays. The lighting was intelligently used too, and I particularly loved the way it was used to transform the stage to appear underwater, when Stick Man was thrown into a river. The setting and lighting really pulled together the show, and Katie Sykes (Designer) and Elanor Higgins (Lighting Designer) did a fantastic job.|
I have to admire the wonderful cast of Stick Man, because the amount of skill they have was extraordinary. I have to start with Peter Shipway (The Show Must Go On, Virgin Voyages It’s A Ship Show, Santa’s Magical Gift), because he was simply incredible throughout the whole show, playing multiple roles- even Santa Claus! As well as playing multiple roles, he played multiple instruments, such as the ukulele, percussion and the saxophone. Shipway was amazing to watch, with clear musical talent. Rosie Malone (A Soldier’s Woman, As You Like It, Lucky Stiff) also took on a multitude of roles, from a barking dog, to a hula-hooping little girl, but played each and every one of them with outstanding stage presence and grit. I was seriously impressed with her wide range of theatrical skills. The amount of physical ability also needed for this show was no joke, but Shaun Mendum (CATS the musical, Nutcracker the musical, Romeo and Juliet) had it under control. I couldn’t have pictured anyone better to play Stick Man, bringing life to the stage with a hilarious personality and skill. The whole cast were wonderful in engaging the young audience with fascinating visuals and imaginative performances, and I applaud them for that.
The amount of interactivity in the show was refreshing to see, and a personal favourite moment of mine was when the performers came into the audience in a chase. Stick Man runs away from a dog (Malone) and really gets the audience involved, asking everyone where the dog was and running away when he saw it. I thought this was a brilliant way to interact with the young members of the audience and really get them excited for the rest of the show. There were more fun moments like this, but you’ll just have to go and watch the show to find out!
It was great to see all the young children that read Julia Donaldson books enjoying theatre, and this is such a wholesome way to introduce your children into the magic of theatre! The show is a joyous watch for children of all ages - interactive and simply mesmerising. Book your tickets ASAP because it's only at Lowry until the January 5th and tickets are running out! I can’t stress enough the wonder it would bring to a child seeing Stick Man come to life, and I know adults would love it too.
WE SCORE STICK MAN...
Stick Man is on at Lowry in Salford until Sunday 5th January 2025
