Chicken Licken review – happy-go-clucky tale has charm, cheer and a fabulous fox
Polka theatre, London Incorporating BSL and creative captions, this musical adaptation features a gloriously long-tailed puppetWith a cluster of country music songs and a delicate aesthetic, this is a particularly welcoming and gentle piece of theatre for children aged three to seven. Featuring integrated BSL and a number of deaf actors in the cast, it’s a co-production between Polka, Hiccup theatre and Derby theatre who are collectively leading the way in creating inclusive family shows. My four-year old son, Benji, was charmed throughout, although it could do with a few more surprises – something to keep the children on their toes rather than snuggled in their seats.Writer and director Sarah Brigham hasn’t stretched the original folk story too much. It’s still about a young chick who grows convinced the sky is falling in after an acorn drops on her head. She gets all her farm friends in a bit of a panic. There’s a lot of anxious racing around, some cheerful songs led by actor and sound designer Ivan Stott and, eventually, a spot of bother with a very crafty and charming fox.At Polka theatre, London, until 11 May Continue reading...
