By Melanie Adams.
Forget fluffy bunnies and cute little chicks, this Easter there’s an elephant that is taking centre stage!
Yesterday, my four-year-old son and I ditched the Easter egg hunts for an elephant hunt as The Elmer Adventure has arrived at the Theatre Royal Winchester this week.
And let me tell you, despite his iconic patchwork colouring, he’s not that easy to find!
The adorable elephant may be the star of the show, but his young fans are taken on a few adventures before they actually get a chance to see him.
The show is an adaptation of three of the Elmer books by author and illustrator David McKee and the actors were great at capturing the imagination of their young audience, making this musical show suitable for ages 3+.
The anticipation builds as the show tells the story of three friends on a jungle trail, who deploy the help of the audience to help them find Elmer, as they approach the end of Elmer Day.
There’s lots of slapstick comedy that got the little ones chuckling away and plenty of audience participation to keep the youngsters engaged, from catchy tunes, to big bouncy balls into the audience and just to prepare the grown-ups, some water pistol action too!!
But the noisy excitement turned to silence as the elusive patchwork elephant finally took to the stage and all his young admirers watched on in awe as he danced around the stage thanks to some clever puppetry. It was a magical moment for them all.
The show is brought to the stage by Tall Stories – a theatre company whose name families might recognise from their adaptations of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom and who The Sunday Times say ‘sets the benchmark for children’s theatre’.
At just under an hour long, it’s the perfect length for children, with a message for both young and old – be yourself and remember to embrace your silliness every now and then.
On Wednesday 16 April there will be a Relaxed performance (at 1.30pm) and Touch Tour (at 12.30pm). Relaxed performances are designed to provide a supportive environment for children and adults with learning difficulties, special needs or Autistic Spectrum Condition.
While these performances are particularly suited to these groups, they are open to everyone, everyone is welcome!
The Elmer Adventure will be at Theatre Royal Winchester until Thursday 17 April at various times. Recommended age: 3+. For more information or to book tickets visit: theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840 440.
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