Reviewed by The Magic Hatter
Amidst the shopping, tinsel and trappings of Christmas, the Hatter family donned their festive knitwear and went to Cast in Doncaster to review Whisker’s First Winter by Odd Doll Puppetry
A Flurry of Excitement
The brainchild of director Kathleen Yore, the show tells the tale of Whisker himself as he explores an icy landscape and meets lots of weird and wonderful characters along the way…
The cast consists of two performers and an assortment of puppet creatures. Wisely, Odd Doll took the puppets into local schools to gauge reactions from the children and give them a sneak preview of the upcoming show. Many companies wouldn’t think to road-test the material like this, and it’s a testament to how much Odd Doll care about getting things just right. I think this reaction to Yanny Yak speaks volumes!
The puppets are incredibly expressive and a delight to watch. From a a slow and steady bear to twirling fish, quirky birds and even a yodelling Yak. These handmade creations are created by Odd Doll’s Kathleen Yore and Rebekah Caputo, and all ooze character. Whisker himself is heart-meltingly adorable and I’m sure this reviewer and the little Hatters would love to adopt him!
I’d say that the puppets take on a life of their own, but that wouldn’t be fair to the talented performers pulling the strings, so to speak…
Like a Puppet on a String (or Rod)
Behind every great puppet is a puppet master, and the two human performers are expertly directed to find every nuance of the critter’s personalities.
Matt Wood and Jennie Rawling manipulate the various puppets so well that it is easy to forget they are there and simply focus on the animal’s antics. Some of the actions are minimal and slight, but the children in this audience seemed to respond to every twitch and turn.
The only speech in the show comes at the end, when the performers invite the audience to come and meet some of the characters. I was especially impressed that this announcement was fully signed, helping make the production more accessible.
The performers stay on the stage after the show too which I thought was a lovely touch, breaking down that barrier between performer and audience. And of course, children jumped at the chance to stroke Whisker and high-five Yanny Yak!
Walking in a Winter Wonderland
There certainly isn’t the expectation here that children will sit politely; Odd Doll have created an interactive environment where the audience are encouraged to play in the snow, respond back and fully engage with the experience. Shoes are removed before entering the space and everyone sits on a fluffy snow cushion, which really adds to the cosy atmosphere. Rarely have I felt so at home in a theatre.
Playful soundscapes underscore the action, and animated backgrounds and projections add depth. The design conjures up a cold and twinkly winter scene, and is beautifully lit and decorated. My youngest was dancing around in circles as a mirror ball cast stars amongst the Northern Lights.
Paws for a Moment
In a haze of high-energy pantomimes, this show offers a gentler and more peaceful approach. There is time for the audience to absorb the story without being ear-bashed by gags, pyrotechnics and the latest pop songs. Don’t get me wrong, we love a panto but, in a hectic holiday season, it was a delight to sit and chill amongst the faux snow.
For a show that is non-verbal, it is a delight to hear the children respond with their own quips and comments. I can only imagine the cogs and gears turning in their heads as their imagination is sparked as the wintry action unfolds. Our own two boys (aged three and six) chirped away, mimed along with the actions at points, and even cuddled up together during a quieter moment…quite a rarity during this sugar-fuelled, hectic holiday season!
At forty-five minutes it is an ideal length for younger children and fidget-bottoms; some of the recent pantomimes we’ve seen have simply been too long and drawn out at two and half hours or more. The earlier show times help too (a 7.30pm panto start makes for a late bedtime and cranky kids the next day!)
Yakking On
Highlights? My eldest loved Yanny Yak’s bumbling buffoonery, and my youngest was entranced by Whisker and the regular flurries of snow. My wife and I were both drawn in by the charismatic storytelling, tight puppetry and inventive design.
The show is great value at between £7.50 and £8.50 a ticket. Recently some seats were released at just £3 each – about the same as a cup of hot chocolate and guaranteed to make you feel just as warm inside! Activity packs are available for sale for a few pounds each, so that children can make their own mini puppets and reenact the show at home. A great idea, and more useful than the usual flashing wands and plastic tiaras sold at Christmas shows!
It it worth noting that seating is not designated, so arrive early to get a good view. It’s a small space with tiered seating, but some children struggled to see over the grown-ups. Perhaps those children happy to sit by themselves could be encouraged to sit nearer the front, with adults at the back. Although, saying that, it was a joy to experience the show sat together with our boys and I’m glad I got to see their reactions.
For many children, this may be a first introduction to live theatre and it is pitched perfectly at their age group. This is pure theatrical escapism, an enchanting journey into a winter wonderland that truly captures the imagination of the young audience.
Kathleen and the Odd Doll team have created something very special here. I am reminded of the Danish word hygge which is used to acknowledge a feeling or moment that is especially cosy, charming or special. That, in a single word, sums up this production.
There is especially good availability for December 27th, 28th and 29th. If you’re quick you might still catch a ticket…by a whisker!
Brr-illiant entertainment that’s guaranteed to delight your little animals!
MAGIC RATING 
VALUE FOR MONEY 
OVERALL 
Whisker’s First Winter runs at Cast until December 29th. Tickets can be booked at https://castindoncaster.com/whats-on/whiskers-first-winter/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
Review Wizard 