Josephine
After the death of her beloved Auntie, shy and timid Josephine lives in the vents of an apartment building and observes the lives of the residents. She meets William who plays violin and offers to be her friend. When William goes missing, Josie sets off on the adventure of a lifetime.
Second Chance Theatre’s rip-roaring adventure feels like a favourite children’s book - very appropriate seeing as Josephine is a voracious reader. The show is a gorgeous journey play, full of colourful and exciting characters.
The cast are great choices. Rhianna Hall is loveable and convincing in the central and title role, while the remaining actors play a plethora of playful and potty people. Most memorable are Nick Maclaine’s ghostly trapeze artist and germanic inventor, Jo Morris’ loving aunt, bossy Pirate Queen and aviatrix Amelia Earhart and Tristen McInnes’ lovely, awkward William.
Tackling sadder topics than most shows for families, the overall message is uplifting, and a lovely demonstration that one can recover from childhood grief, and be stronger for it.
No longer having young children to ask, I sought the expert opinion of young audience member Olive (a very grown-up Year 2 student) who loved the show and gave it 5 out of 5 stars.
Josephine is a lovely Fringe World choice for the young, the young at heart, and lovers of a good adventure tale. A beautifully acted and directed, sweet little piece of theatre.
Kimberley Shaw
Photographer: Sean Smith.
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