Elephant is both a bold and delicate production. Steeped in culture and history it's impressively accessible to an audience of the widest age ranges. In the intimate but in no way small Greenwhich Theatre, I sit next to a row of grandmothers eagerly devouring the stunning programme. It's an awkwardly long rectangular shape that makes you think it should really contain carpet swatches but instead it's full of stunning imagery and details about the rich threads that have come together to create this light-hearted but substantial play. And it's the imagery and colour on stage that has captivated the row of primary school kids in front of me, the young couple to my right and the university students behind me – all fixated on a delicate, adorable baby elephant with beautifully sad eyes as it totters towards the front of the stage. The puppets in this show are stunning and it's a shame they don't spend more time on stage.
With vibrant costumes and seriously fun dancing from start to finish the production also has some of the most beautiful music you'll hear in a theatre show. The story follows Chief Zanenvula who, having been turned away from the gates of heaven, reconnects with his ancestors and his past to find out where he went wrong. The straightforward story entertains at every level. There's a gentle love story, a devious devil in a bowler hat and some clumsy adventures by a river, all interspersed with catchy songs and melodic, soulful tunes. The characters are boisterous and flirty, and there's plenty of rough-and-tumble comedy, cheeky glances and general clowning around.
The live percussion is a little distracting but the sound is brilliantly atmospheric and energises the whole show. As does Chief Zanenvula, whose infectious happiness at telling his story of redemption immediately welcomes the audience and invites them to share in his excitement. Though the play lags in parts, the musical numbers never fail to raise a smile, and more than a few shoulders start swaying and bopping gently to the music.
Elephant is a brilliant example of Greenwich Theatre's commitment to original musical theatre and its appreciation of productions which exude culture over commercial recognition. Elephant also adds to the already impressive range of children's theatre showcased at Greenwich Theatre.
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