Review of "Thumbelina, a Swallow's Tale" presented by All Aboard Productions for 2009

Happiness radiates from this new musical performance of Thumbelina.  Children are captivated from their own initial participation and continue spellbound as the swallowman tells his tale.  Young and old alike are humorously entertained as they are absorbed in the metamorphosis, then trials and tribulations of brave Thumbelina's journey.   The natural world is brightly presented but with distasteful repercussions for the innocent and gentle Thumbelina before she finds herself, finally finding "love to share" and a family like herself!  Presented with minimal props and scenery allowing the imagination to run riot, the piano accompaniment by the composer is superbly delicate and descriptive as roles are seamlessly presented with speech and song intertwined with catchy well-known tunes and poignantly lyrical interludes.  Fast moving scenes hold the audience's interest as three of the four talented performers successfully play challenging multi-roles.  Noteworthy and convincing are bloodthirsty Monsieur and Madame Maybug, feisty Mrs. Toad and her unmarriageable son, overworked mother Field mouse and scary, but rich, Mr. Mole who gets a whopping laugh with one of the simplest and oldest tricks in showbiz and oddly a bashful butterfly who seemed to be in ladybird apparel, not forgetting the witch and lonely old woman.  Thumbelina herself is charming as she 'grows up' with halting speech, oversensitive to criticism, but retaining a trusting desire to please as she 'wonders' at the free natural world.  The balance of caricature and reality is skillfully handled.  Added humour is provided by a puppet chorus, sometimes in miniature requiring full audience attention.  Technical support in this intimate theatre with raised seating, adds special effects to convey changes of geography, continents, seasons and moods.  Much is gently squeezed into this hour - a memorable carefree interlude presenting intelligently a poignant fairytale.  Lastly, requests for donations to the Turner Syndrome Society.