James and the Giant Peach

James and the Giant Peachwas a late replacement in KADS 2017 Season, but this nicely realised little fantasy performed by a troupe of enthusiastic youngsters was a lovely addition.

This Roald Dahl play with music is loyal to, and conscious of, its source material and is narrated by two very involved narrators, the gentle, and smiling Imogen Bates and the beautifully spoken, highly animated Jana Haering - who also provides ukulele accompaniment.

Leo Rimmer, in the title role, makes a likeable James and is an engaging hero.

The Giant Peach travellers are a lively bunch. Sienna Freeman is a standout as a punkish, cockney Centipede who delights in the fact that she is “a pest”. Marik Gabathuler’s blind, pessimistic Earthworm is a delight. Bella Freeman’s sophisticated, sweet and lady-like Ladybug is lovely. Evie Madeleine looks gorgeous and charms as Glow Worm. Annabel Wostenholme makes a great Spider and Amalia Lewitt-Willoughby is a strong Grasshopper with nicely developing violin skills.

Villains of the piece, the nasty Aunt Spiker and Aunt Sponge, are played with comic team-work by Lilliana Lewitt-Willoughby and Caitlyn Rutley, who also lend their talents to the ensemble.

The remainder of the ensemble also play a plethora of supporting roles. Particularly memorable was the ‘Who’s on First’ style routine from the Queen Mary Officers - Larnaka Wilkinson, Elliot Rimmer and Alex Campbell. Isla Howard opened the play with a bang as the ‘Tour Guide’ and Tiffany Ramsell put the button on the show with her convincing Little Girl.

We heard some lovely songs, composed especially for this production by Musical Director come Stage Manager Monique Lewitt. 

Joy Mills’ lighting design included some surprising special effects and sound design was well managed with a mix of live and recorded sound. The key set piece, the Giant Peach, worked nicely.

A feel-good theatre piece with some great young actors to watch out for. While the almost exclusively grown-up audience on Opening Night clearly enjoyed themselves, this play is obviously written for children to enjoy.

Kimberley Shaw