Review: George's Marvellous Medicine @ The New Theatre
Roald Dahl’s classic tale of George Henry Kranky, and his even crankier Grandmother, hits the New Theatre stage this week and is the perfect half term treat for younger siblings or big kids like me!
George’s Marvellous Medicine was always one of my favourite Dahl books and so I was delighted to see it on stage and on tour. The story follows eight-year-old George, also off for half term, who is looking forward to a day of reading his favourite book. Then, his evil grandmother comes to stay, and in between snoozes revels in shouting and tutting at her grandson. "Growing is a nasty childish habit," she announces but soon she is having her own growth spurt as she tastes George’s home brewed medicine, which he has constructed with the help of the audience. Eventually she is downsized and rather fortunately, disappears.
Being slightly older, and perhaps a little more mature, than when I first read the book I was shocked that the whole story is basically an eight-year-old’s plot to poison his Grandmother and surely the lad could be done for manslaughter - as Elisabeth, “the nice, smiley lady who gives us our tickets” as my little sister calls her, quite rightly pointed out. This is of course covered however - “Warning. Do not try to make George’s Marvellous Medicine at home. It could be dangerous.” - printed in the programme and announced at the end of the show. Grandma’s everywhere you’re safe!
Laboured at times but full of Dahl’s typical political incorrectness and cunning sense of fun, thanks to a clever adaptation by David Wood, the production has heaps of energy and was very much enjoyed by the young audience. Director Phil Clark has done well on a small budget and certain scenes, namely where a huge chicken chases the family around the yard, brought back so many Dahl-reading memories.
My little sister seemed to enjoy it but was disappointed at its lack of length - indeed we were home at nine o’clock - but I was rather pleased as I was able to watch Four Lions which I’d bought recently, similarly wicked in its plotting (and stunningly funny. I recommend!).
At just 10 a go for under-16s, George’s Marvellous Medicine is a good laugh and is sure to take you back to all those hours spent phizzle-popping, by-golly-goshing and gloop-pooping (?!) at the expense of a Dahl classic.
Until Saturday (February 26th) at the New Theatre. Tickets.
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1 Comment – Postiwch sylw
Sprout Editor
Rhoddwyd sylw 63 mis yn ôl - 24th February 2011 - 10:04am
Another great review!