20.39°C Review by Paul T. Davies
Toto The Ninja Cat and the Great Snake Escape, based on Dermot O’Leary’s bestselling book, played at the Mercury Theatre in Colchester.
Adapted from Dermot O’Leary’s bestselling book, this show is an absolute treat for children of all ages. It’s a wonderfully original story. Toto and her brother Silver are rescued from Italy and come to live in London. In one exciting night, they are revealed to be no ordinary cats, as they love adventure, and Toto is a secret ninja cat – a brilliant revelation and superbly brought to life.
Toto is almost blind but has developed her senses to become a Ninja Cat Master. Their guide, Catface, takes them on a tour of London via the Animal Underground, and news reaches them that Brian, a King Cobra, has escaped from London Zoo. Beautifully performed by three excellent puppeteers, the adventure is fully engaging and spectacularly staged. Oliver Hymans’s design is exceptional.
Taking us on this adventure are three skilled performers, bringing the puppets to life so convincingly that you look at the expressive faces of the animals and forget the performers are there. Charlotte Bloomsbury, Richard Lounds and Vinnie Monachello bring each character to life, share the narration and weave magic around the Studio space. The ninja action is a thrill, Catface is one of many likeable characters, and a tiger and the giant cobras provide just enough jeopardy – not too much to scare younger viewers, but enough to thrill.
Co-adapted by Barb Jungr and Samantha Lane, who also directs, this co-production with Little Angel Theatre and Mayflower Southampton is not to be missed. Billed for anyone over the age of five, it connects strongly with the audience, and your inner child will love it as much as your children. In fact, what with the Disco Ducks in the Mercury Young Company’s Wind in the Willows, my inner child is having a fantastic theatrical year.
The show runs until Saturday, 18th April. Tickets and information can be found here.
