If your little ones love exploring, discovering hidden treasures, and letting their imaginations run wild, then Flotsam at Half Moon Theatre could be just the ticket!

Inspired by the award-winning picture book by American author and illustrator David Wiesner, Flotsam, showing at Half Moon Theatre, has been transformed into a charming musical production by composer Kerry Andrew.

The story centres on Pip, a child who enjoys playing alone and exploring treasures gathered from the beach. Among the flotsam washed ashore, Pip discovers a mysterious camera. Looking through its lens reveals photographs of children connected across time and space, alongside fantastical underwater creatures. A puffer fish travelling in a hot-air balloon, dancing starfish, and octopuses reading by lamplight populate these strange and beautiful submarine worlds. As Pip unravels the camera’s secrets, curiosity and imagination gradually give way to a newfound confidence and the courage to connect with other children and make friends.

The production has a distinctly 1970s television feel, reminiscent of Play School for those old enough to remember it. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! The show opens with three musicians dressed in Victorian beachwear, immediately establishing a bright and amusing atmosphere. A compact ensemble of five performers brings the story to life, with cast members doubling as musicians and characters. Flute, double bass, and accordion provide the live musical accompaniment, while the props are imaginative, well chosen, and perfectly suited to the young audience.

One measure of a successful children’s production is how much parental or guardian encouragement is needed to keep the children engaged. A truly immersive performance should do most of the work itself, and for much of the first half, this certainly happened. The children enthusiastically joined in with the clapping and inventing sounds to go with the characters. Unfortunately, there was a lull about halfway, but it all came together again at the end with a singalong.

With its short running time, playful approach, and emphasis on visual storytelling, Flotsam offers a welcoming introduction to opera for very young audiences, particularly those experiencing it for the first time.

OperaUpClose has once again shown an understanding of how to make opera accessible, engaging, and imaginative for children. A delightful production that celebrates curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovering the unexpected.

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Four Stars.

One performance at Half Moon Theatre 31st October 2026 then on UK tour until 16th November 2026.

 

Cast

Pip (Singer)      Susie Buckle

Mum (Singer) Gabriella Liandu

Anenome (Singer & Flute) Meera Maharaj

Hermit Crab (Singer and accordionist) Benjamin Saffir

Melville (Singer & Double Base) Phil Wilcox

Crew

Stage director Flora McIntosh

Lighting designer Claire Childs

Musical director Lucy Mulgan

Composer and Librettist Kerry Andrew

Designer (Designer) Nikki Charlesworth

Costumes  Robin Simon.

Helen Brew, Makatron specialist