The tale of the Pigeon and the Peacock, currently showing at Little Angel Theatre. It follows the tale of Pigeon who wants to be a poet and share his talent with the other birds. The birds mock the humble pigeon and dismiss his poetry. A flamboyant peacock arrives at the park and is instantly accepted by the other birds.  Pigeon cannot understand how the peacock can gain so much respect just be being pretty.

The set is simple, a gnarled tree stands in the centre of the space from behind which, puppets are produced. On either side are composer, Miranda Lewis-Brown on cello, and Tereza Catarov on keyboard. These talented musicians, deliver a fusion of classical and jazz to provide a backdrop to the story although the narration provided by Lewis-Brown is occasionally overpowered by the cello in the dynamic scenes.

The show is quite simply beautiful.  The pigeon marionette was extremely realistic and the mastery of the puppeteers, Soledad Zarate and Bori Mezo, is totally magical. There is a scene where some children were encouraged to mime and feed the pigeon; they were totally enthralled. The Peacock glove puppet elegantly stepping across the stage was used to great effect approaching the children in the audience and seemed almost to be looking at them.

LAT’s Studio space is a black box auditorium with cushioned seating, provides for an intimate setting that is ideal for children allowing them to sit as they wish in a relaxed cocoon.

At the end of the show the puppeteers suspend a garland around the tree and invite the young audience up to add a paper bird. It is a delightful idea, but sadly, at least two girls were left on the edge of the stage whilst the paper birds were withdrawn. Now, I can understand that it is difficult for every child to be treated equally during the performance even for such a small space, but this was at the end. There followed a ten-minute Q&A session, where, with a bit of organisation and imagination every child could have been included.

An expressive and interactive play told through marionette puppetry that shows the meaning of friendship, acceptance and being brave.

4 Stars

Reviewed by Nina Gardner.

https://www.littleangeltheatre.com/whats-on/the-pigeon-and-the-peacock/

Written and composed by: Miranda Lewis-Brown
Directed by: Rachel Warr
Puppet/marionette maker: Sarah Vigars
Puppeteers: Soledad Zarate and Bori Mezo

Vocalist and pianist: Tereza Catarov
Produced by: Feathered Fables Theatre

The Pigeon and the Peacock is aimed at ages 5-11 years and plays at Little Angel Theatre as part of the Children’s Puppet Festival until Thursday 21 August.