Dinosaurs and all that Rubbish is playing at Studio Two in the Assembly Rooms, George Gardens. Based on the popular book by Michael Foreman the production is performed by three highly talented actor-musicians who sprinkle the show with outstanding musical performances and age-appropriate lyrics throughout.
The play is a gentle but meaningful journey as we witness the fallout of the decisions of an extremely greedy and selfish man who decides to build a rocket to fly to a star, ensuring the destruction of all the world’s resources on his way. He completes his personal mission but leaves behind a world that is broken, devoid of life and piled high with waste. Bezos, Musk and Branson take note.
The production is lively, they make great use of the space with detailed dinosaur headpieces, puppets and five painted boxes to create the necessary scenes. The design ties in nicely with the imagery from the children’s book and this is complemented with slick lighting and sound.
Our three performers are warm, charismatic and working like a well-oiled team; allowing for some moments of spontaneity and driving the story at a great pace for kids. The songs are a particular highlight, evoking strains of the blues to provide toe-tapping ditties and there are even a couple songs that you may end up humming throughout the day.
Minor criticism comes via a lack of stage time for the actual dinosaurs. Any Dino-mad youngsters may feel a little short changed. It also doesn’t sit well that our deluded and selfish protagonist, The Man, never really goes through enough obstacles and moments of reflection to fully deserve any forgiveness from the kindly dinosaurs.
However, this is more an issue with the source material than the play itself. My seven year old Daughter didn’t mind at all and it is easy to overlook just how readily young children can forgive and forget.
Part Theatre part brilliant gig, it’s a fantastic way to open your morning at the Fringe. Dinosaurs and all that Rubbish will wake you up, offer opportunity to discuss important world issues and most importantly, put a big smile on your children’s faces.
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