Photo by Jessica Wyld
Fans of the Moomin family will not need any narrative explanation, but newcomers are catered for with a short introduction. Moominpappa has been seized by the urge to move from Moominvalley, to take up residence on their own island in the Gulf of Finland. Moominpappa decides to become the lighthouse keeper of the abandoned outpost, but finds that a series of grand plans and good ideas that go awry leave him feeling disappointed. Moominmamma wants to plant a garden, and while distressed at the poor soil quality compared to Moominvalley, perseveres and plants her flowers and dreams of an apple tree. Moomintroll takes the opportunity to start living away from his parents, partly to keep the Groke from damaging the island in her icy cold loneliness, and partly in hopes of seeing the Sea Horses again. Little My, irrepressible and mischievous, relishes her explorations and prophecies of doom.
Barlow is not alone on stage, apart from his puppet friends, the interesting location of the stage manager at the front right side of the stage providing a fisherman side character, unexpectedly laconic in the Moomin world. Barlow adapts head gear and fabric-rich props to play the parts of Moominpappa and the Groke personally, while voicing the other parts which are played by puppets. This allows Moominpappa to posture and declaim in a way not easily done with the small, simple puppet, and also to perform tasks such as fishing that would get complicated with the small, stout figure. Barlow’s smooth transitions between acting and puppeteering are impressive, and his delineations between parts are consistently clear, an important trait in a children’s production.
Lee Buddle’s score is a sweet accompaniment to the tale. Buddle has the knack of supporting a range of narrative styles without overbearing and with a sympathetic feel for the style of each puppet performance, leading to a delightful presentation when combined. An interesting variety of lighting is used, from the hurricane lamp so beloved by the Groke to a shoulder-borne shaft of moonlight that brings the sea horses to glimmering life. Elliot Chambers takes care of all these transitions calmly, in between his demands performing as the fisherman and former lighthouse keeper, making the task of lighting and stage management appear very simple.
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre recommend this performance as being suitable for ages 4 and above and it certainly has moments to appeal to all ages throughout. Slapstick humour, sweet-faced Moomins and a journey with Moomintroll’s family all contribute to the whimsical appeal of this show.
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Moominpappa at Sea
Adapted from the book by Tove Jansson
Presented by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre
Director: Michael Barlow
Creative Consultant: Noriko Noshimoto
Designer: Leon Hendroff
Composer: Lee Buddle
Set Construction: Ben Gates
Fabric Construction: Annie Robinson
Stage Manager/Lighting Designer: Elliot Chambers
Performed by Michael Barlow and Elliot Chambers
Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, Fremantle
4-18 April 2015
