Moominpappa at Sea at Spare Parts Puppet Theatre - Review

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Sat 04 Apr 2015 - Sat 18 Apr 2015

I must have had a rather diminished childhood because I had never heard of the Moomins until a few weeks ago. These eccentric and lovable hippopotamus-like creatures, the creation of Swedish-speaking Finnish illustrator and writer Tove Jansson, were first published in 1945 and many generations of children around the globe (except me) grew up reading about their carefree adventures.



Although there are now nine books about the Moomin troll family, together with picture books and a comic strip, Perth families now have a limited opportunity to see the Moomins live in a whimsical production by the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre called Moominpappa at Sea based on the 1963 book of the same name.

I was determined not to let my daughters miss out on the Moomins, and we were lucky enough to be invited to the first performance – a gentle tale about the Moomin family's search for a new home, and their discovery of a mysterious island.

Admittedly it starts a little slow, but I liked how it really called for the use of the audience's imagination, as much of the production's charm lies in its simplicity.



The atmosphere of the story – brought to life with a beautiful soundtrack – runs from laugh out loud funny (different jokes appealing to the very young and to the adults in the audience), to light humour, to relatively flat segments, to sections which could frighten younger children. It never quite amps up into a dramatic climax, instead it has a gentle roll, much like the waves that surround the Moomin's new island.

Running for 45 minutes, it is the perfect length for small children, although the very smallest might be afraid of the Groke – a mysterious black creature, simply and evocatively created by a large piece of sparkly black fabric. She is later represented by a more traditional puppet, one which makes the audience laugh.



Most astonishing is how the enchanting story is brought to life by a single puppeteer – associate director of Spare Parts, Michael Barlow. Unlike me, Michael was introduced to the Moomins as a child, and he grew up loving their sense of humour and the mysteries of the Moomin landscape. "The Moomins are very adventurous and playful creatures but they also experience very deep feelings,' Michael said. 'The way Moominpappa and his family discover freedom on their new island home grounds this fantastical world in real emotion for audiences."

Personally, I never quite got to the deep emotion, but naturally, there is a happy ending, or at least a resolution and the audience's applause was genuine and warm. It won't be the most exciting piece of theatre you ever see, and you won't be dazzled by fancy effects and expensive props, but the Moomins are cute little creatures (even if my five year old kept turning to me and saying 'they're not puppets, Mum') and Michael Barlow is authentic and talented. My seven year old daughter sought him out afterwards to tell him how good he was.

The season which opens Easter Saturday and runs over the school holidays, offers daily shows at 10am and 1pm plus special evening performances on April 8 and 17 (no show Sundays or public holidays).

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!date 04/04/2015 -- 18/04/2015
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