The Toymakers

As I have reported in previous reviews, this remarkable company of teenagers create every aspect of their production.

Their latest offering is The Toymakers; set in a shanty town during the great depression in New York City. While one immediately thinks of Annie: that is where the similarity ends. The first act was a little slow while the scene and plot were established, but once that was out of the way, the show settled down to and intriguing piece of theatre.

What the company lacked in expensive trappings they more than made up for in enthusiasm and energy.

Strong performances by these multi-talented Teens have become a hallmark of Doublemask productions and this was no exception. In an truly ensemble cast several performers stood out including Laurie Pratt, as a convincing senior citizen and Rainer Tiffen, as a citizen concerned with his neighbours’ wellbeing.

Doublemask have scheduled 2 more adaptations to be staged before Christmas: 20,000 Leagues under the Sea and A Christmas Carol, the latter performance will see the cast augmented with some of their former members returning for a bumper production.

Well done all round.                                                                

Roger McKenzie

Photography by Lachlan Glasby