Southwark Playhouse had planned to bring to the stage The Sorcerer’s Apprentice by the renowned musical theatre writers Richard Hough and Ben Morales Frost. However, due to further restrictions, the Theatre wasn’t in a position to perform in front of a live audience and decided to continue with their plans to put this onto the stage and have filmed the production to be screened online.
Eva (Mary Moore) has her debut musical performance as the rebellious daughter of a long-suffering Dad (David Thaxton). Not happy to just settle and let life be guided for her Eva wants more and sees the world through a different lens to her Father. Quite rightly so as the upcoming generations need to see a difference for things to change.
I thought the idea of the Aurora lights rebelling and fighting the townsfolk worked incredibly well. Although you will need to watch the production to find out exactly what happens when they clash.
Anna Kelsey has created a dark and intriguing stage portraying the dark and damaging effect caused by industrial pollution. It goes on to accompany the wonders of Eva’s magical powers and allow the sparks from her spells to light up the stage and add another depth to the special effects.
While you are watching The Sorcerer’s Apprentice it is important to be able to suspend your disbelief. They have recreated the scene from Disney’s Mickey Mouse version where the broomsticks come to life and dance around Eva. Although the actors are visible it’s an extremely impressive choreographed scene by the talented choreographer Steven Harris.
Creatives have learned to adapt through this pandemic. Enchanting productions such as these can be adapted for screen. Therefore, once the Theatre’s can reopen their doors live screening and pay to view audiences could be able to access productions which were previously unavailable to them.
Four Stars
Streaming from Friday 26th February – Sunday 14th March 2021.
Theatre, Films and Art reviews 