In a nutshell
A colourful cast and faultless choreography brought a slightly bonkers but quite brilliant performance of Just So to The Barn Theatre.
The review
Setting the scene
Featuring larger-than-life characters, Just So proved to be an energetic telling of Rudyard Kipling’s classic tales. Heading back to the time of the creation of all the animals by the Eldest Magician, all is just so until the crab, Pau Amma, starts playing with the sea and causing upheaval.
A vibrant set, colourful cast and a foot-stomping song or two invited audiences to follow the courageous Elephant’s Child as he ventured to find Pau Amma and ask him to stop messing with the sea.
Fast-paced and positively weird and wonderful, some scenes admittedly required a little imagination but provided an uplifting story which was sprinkled with wit and laugh-out-loud quips.
The cast
Making for an immersive evening, The Barn Theatre’s modest space drew audiences in, as the cast played several of nature’s well-known animals. From the hilarious giraffe and zebra to the blunt and brilliant rhino, the cast effortlessly switched from character to character.
With the cast doubling up as the musicians too, there was no denying the overwhelming amount of talent in the room. Dancing around the stage and still playing the cello faultlessly, hitting the highest notes and providing a treat for the eyes, the cast were by far the best part of the show.
The story
A beautiful, and at times slightly slapstick story, Just So is the perfect seasonal treat. Telling the tale of the courageous Elephant’s Child, friendship and curiosity, audiences are taken along on the journey.
Peppered with humour, this story is almost more suited towards adults than it is for children, yet it’s the perfect thing to watch on a cold winter’s evening. Take your seat, settle down and head on an adventure with this spectacular cast.
SoGlos loves
Just So features a cast which sits on the stage and provides all the music and instrumentals right in front of the audience’s eyes, rather than tucked away – making the experience even more immersive.
Top tip
Don’t miss out on tickets before they sell out. The show promises a great early Christmas present or night out in an otherwise dreary January.
What next?
For more information, see Just So at The Barn Theatre, call (01285) 648255 or visit barntheatre.org.uk directly.
By Sophie Bird
