Fringe

Father Nandru – I was intrigued
Based on a true story, it is indeed
In a Romania village the show is set
Where roaming wild wolves are a constant threat
But not so much as the harsh Ceausescu regime
Which threatens to shatter all villagers dreams.

Through puppets and music this tale is told
At Wilton’s Music hall; grand and old
The setting lends itself to the play
A theatre worth visiting any day
Delightfully derelict – grandeur abound
The greatest gem in London to be found
They also serve great wine and delicious food
Go on! Grab a canapé; to ignore them would be rude!

Anyway, back to the play,
A happy end to my long day.

A gypsy orchestra greeted my ears
Music which aroused many cheers
Providing a great atmosphere for the show
And assisting well with the action and flow.

The narrative was strange, but that’s not a bad thing
I loved the use of puppets, much joy did they bring.
The set was fantastic, a real visual treat
I loved the dancing goats, I thought they were sweet.
The wolves were wonderfully weird and made the show surreal
But they embodied an outside threat that was real.

Actors, puppeteers and musicians
Together gave fantastic exhibitions
To their roles they did adhere
Their dedication was quite clear.

The only real problem with the show I found
Was the rhyme scheme in which the script was bound
Often it was not much of a blessing
When it came to the actors expressing
Words and emotions live on stage
Instead they were stuck in a literary cage.
I admit, for a play so alive with rhythm
Rhymes were sometimes a wise decision
But in moments they could have broken away;
Save a rhyme for special moments in the play.

When all is said and all is done,
Ultimately this play is lots of fun
Yet with a very real moral
Whoever you are: do not quarrel
What is the point in a prejudice brawl?
United we stand, divided we fall.

Recommended for “dreamers, dancers and adventurers aged 8- 108”
So do catch it now before it is too late.

Father Nandru and the Wolves runs until the 18th April.