Bringing first-class theatre to far-flung communities is the remit for the popular OTTC, and their latest show has all the hallmarks of their continued success. Princess Roby Slippers, written and directed by artistic director Brendan Murray, is a charming adventure into the imaginative world of children and their play.
Ruby and her brother Jake squabble over everything, driving their poor mum mad. When their friend Tom comes over to play, the sibling rivalry steps up a notch and a battle ensues over whether to play I Spy or dressing up'. They settle on hide and seek, and while Ruby is hiding in her dressing-up box her bad-tempered brother unwittingly manages to cast a spell which sends her off to Fairytale Land, where Prince Charming, fairy godmothers and witches await her. Jake and Tom have to get her back before Mum finds out, and so set off in pursuit.
Chloe Lang (pictured) is charming as the feisty Ruby, with Matthew Turner a great foil as the petulant Jake. The most captivating performance was that of Paul Stephenson as their friend Tom, who is only too eager to kiss the Princess, the frog, or anyone! Orla Cottingham does great work in her quick changes from Mum, to Fairy Godmother to Wicked Witch, and keeps the dramatic tension humming.
The youngest members of the audience were kept on their toes, but I did not notice any upset as this is a well-thought-out family show for all ages. The audience in cosy Begbroke Village Hall - where I saw the show - ranged from babes-in-arms to senior citizens, who all seemed entranced.
The play will be visiting the Pegasus Theatre, Oxford, tonight and tomorrow, the Mill Arts Centre, Banbury, on Tuesday, Bourton on Wednesday, Kelmscott on Friday, then on to Dorchester (15), Kingham (16), Bayards Hill School (19), Tackley (20), Uffington (21), Duns Tew (22).
January dates include Faringdon Corn Exchange (2), Charlbury (3), Bradwell (4), Shutford (5), Kingston Lisle (9), Lains Barn, Wantage (29 and 30), SS Mary and John School, Oxford (31), while the final dates in February are at Great Milton (1), Buckland (2), Edward Feild School, Kidlington (6), Horton-cum-Studley (7), Cassington (8) and Woodstock Primary School (9).
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