the wolves of willoughby chase book review

The set, which worked so well for Pinocchio, was largely unchanged apart from a few flats, and would have served the purpose well if the brightly coloured strip above the stage and the coloured flourishes above each arch were removed: the remaining track-like element and skeletal framework would have provided a much more appropriate background. This becomes something of a running joke (slyly signposted by the opening announcement) and it is this jokey tone that is the making of the piece, and at no detriment to the story.ĭirector James Haddrell keeps the action moving at all times and conjures up something of the feel of this dark and wintry novel, despite the colourful set elements which seemed at odds with the story. Joan Aiken’s novel has been adapted here by Russ Tunney, with a cast of 7 playing at least 16 characters, sometimes more than one at a time.

The second of the two summer repertory productions for children at Greenwich Theatre is The Wolves of Willoughby Chase, a much less well-known story than Pinocchio but posing just as many difficulties for writer and director.

The wolves of willoughby chase book review