wise children...

Wow! I think I might have just seen the best piece of theatre I’m likely to see in the entire year!
Moira and I went along to the Bristol Old Vic last night (another packed audience) to see Emma Rice’s adaptation of Angela Carter’s novel “Wise Children” (published in 1991). This is the first show by the newly created Wise Children Theatre Company… and it received rave reviews when it first appeared at the Old Vic, London before Christmas.
I can absolutely see why!
The play follows the fortunes of twin chorus girls, Dora and Nora Chance, and their bizarre theatrical family (they’re the illegitimate twins of a preposterous old thespian Sir Melchior Hazard, who has never acknowledged his daughters).  The twins are in their dotage (it’s their 75^th birthday that day) and live in somewhat seedy surroundings south of the Thames in a rather ancient caravan (wonderfully devised by Vicki Mortimer) and they receive a surprise invitation to Melchior Hazard’s Sloane Square party. Before making the journey, the twins tell their life story, starting right back at the conception of their parents.
It’s a bizarre, riotous journey and there’s an almost Shakespearean ‘feel’ to it all – including characters changing sex, colour and age with daring rapidity. It’s a story of rivalry, love and life (and show business) in which acting is a way of survival. It’s about vanishing youth, but also about a determination to live life to the full.  

The twelve actors are all absolutely magnificent (I particularly loved Melissa James’ and Omari Douglas’ portrayals as the Dora and Nora showgirls and Katy Owen as the hilarious Grandma – but, really, everyone was stunning). The dancing, the movement, the singing, the humour, the acting, the colour, the band, the set, the lighting… the overall design.

Simply wonderful.
It was a really glorious, joyous evening. At the end, the packed audience IMMEDIATELY gave them all a hugely-deserved standing ovation… which went on for some time.
Tomorrow is the last night at the Old Vic, but ‘Wise Children’ will also be performed in Manchester, York, Chester, London and Coventry over the coming weeks/months. Check out the website.
PS: I think the ‘Wise Children Theatre Company’ (based in Bristol) is going to become a very special, exciting organisation within our lovely city. They’re committed to the following:
1. “Producing landmark work with exceptional artists and touring it across the country.
2. Creating The School for Wise Children where 50% of places will be available free.
3.Discovering the creative spaces of the future.”
PPS: You might recall that, in January 2016, Emma Rice was appointed artistic director of Shakespeare's Globe in London. Just a few months into the role, in October 2016, it was announced that Rice would be leaving it in April 2018; the announcement followed a decision by the theatre's board, which cited concerns over authenticity and her use of lighting technology. I think the Globe might end up regretted their decision! The Globe’s loss is definitely Bristol’s gain!!