The Firework-Maker’s Daughter assessment – Philip Pullman’s fairytale is explosive enjoyable | Christmas exhibits

Some youngsters’s books – easy tales from acquainted worlds – switch to the stage with out a lot inventive heavy lifting. Philip Pullman’s fairytale of volcano scaling, speaking elephants and “The Greatest Firework Show in the Galaxy” isn’t one in all them. But with buckets of creativeness and a sterling solid, Lee Lyford’s new manufacturing for six-to-12-year-olds is each epic and spellbindingly intimate. My seven-year-old visitor, Artie, isn’t acquainted with the guide however is straight away enthralled and, at occasions, up to now on the sting of his seat I concern he’ll collide with the girl in entrance.

Lila goals of changing into a firework-maker like her dad; he isn’t so eager. So when he’s tricked into revealing the ultimate secret to his craft – profitable Royal Sulphur from a hearth fiend atop a volcano – Lila’s off like a rocket, through jungles and pirates. Her buddy Chulak, studying extra concerning the risks in retailer, goes seeking protecting water with the king’s vociferous white elephant, Hamlet.

Lyford and workforce rifle by way of a bulging dramatic toolbox to carry all of it to life. Anisha Fields’ easy set begins as Lila and her father’s workshop however, with the assistance of some lo-fi extra surroundings and some humble props, quickly turns into a river, a jungle and the aspect of a volcano, full with cardboard-box rockslide. Fireworks are unfurling cocktail umbrellas and tiny lights dancing on the ends of fingers. (The finale’s firework competitors is extra extravagantly breathtaking in methods I received’t spoil.)

There’s wonderful puppetry (designs and path by Maia Kirkman-Richards), from hulking Hamlet – managed by two solid members inside – to intricate shadow puppets parading throughout a lampshade. “Write down that – that’s amazing!” whispers Artie, jabbing my notepad. Jonathan Chan’s lighting and Elena Peña’s sound design carry actual peril. When purple lights, smoke, crackling sound results and a rumbling voiceover conjure the hearth fiend, a spooked Artie suggests elevating the minimal age steerage to 9.

The solid of 5 take the technical calls for of such invention in energetic stride, with all besides Tika Mu’tamir (a pleasingly plucky Lila) additionally enjoying a number of roles. Artie’s favorite is Jules Chan as cheeky Chulak and one of many ineffective pirates rowing themselves in circles in his favorite scene – it’s additionally a second the place Jude Christian’s adaptation provides gleeful silliness to Pullman’s vivid language. My standout is Rose-Marie Christian, whose each incarnation is a delight, though cockney chancer Auntie Rambashi is her greatest.

Lila’s quest may do with a clearer setup, and the ultimate classes in love and risk-taking just a little extra exploration. But what seven-year-old cares about all that amid a lot enjoyable? Despite some questions all through, Artie leaves creating fireworks along with his fingers, practising the “mouth noises” he admired from the actors, and planning an explosive future profession.