Happily then, that, recently adjusted by The Wardrobe Ensemble, they remain in exceptional hands.
In a co-production with Bristol Old Vic, where it is presently delighting in a Half Term run, and the Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Judith Kerr’s Mog the Forgetful Cat in truth brings to life numerous of Kerr’s traditional experiences in one wonderful hour-long program, completely pitched for young kids.
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Mog and the V.E.T. and Mog’s Bad Thing are likewise drawn from page to phase, woven together in an overrarching narrative arc of a year in the life of the Thomas’ cat.
The Thomas house and garden forms the basis of the set, which has an extremely geometric flavour, all overlapping circles, triangles, squares and rectangular shapes.
It’s nicely sentimental of the time in which these books were composed, and for a number of the grownups viewing, the small rose-coloured radiance that a person tends to relate with youth.
Although faithful to Kerr’s stories, the humour, colour and life with which the ensemble make their mark is remarkable, and brings everybody along, without ever patronising.
Music is skillfully integrated into the action, and there is a lot of space set aside for memorable tune and dance numbers, in addition to a healthy dollop of audience interaction along the method.
It’s an extremely strong ensemble piece, although most of the laughs certainly go to Ben Vardy as Mr Thomas, singing in deference to his preferred chair.
Hanora Kamen likewise is worthy of unique reference for miaowing, extending and nimbly leaping through the hour with feline aplomb.
It’s warm, charming, inclusive and low stakes – a program that makes the tiniest audience members feel safe and held, like all good kids’s stories should.
Judith Kerr’s Mog The Forgetfu Cat is at Bristol Old Vic till February 18 at 10.30am and 1.30pm. Tickets are available at www.bristololdvic.org.uk.
All pictures: Manuel Harlan
Read more: Review: Robin Hood: Legend of the Forgotten Forest, Bristol Old Vic
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