Written by Gary McNair
Directed by Laila Noble
Music by Brian James O’Sullivan
Review by Dominic Corr
Our noses would grow if we said that Pinocchio was anything short of brilliant.
The classic tale of the ‘wooden boy’ has a new lease of life in this festive production, one of two offerings in Cumbernauld which take a step back from what other towns and cities offer, in a way which deserves praise and focus. As while Gary McNair’s latest helping of fairytale cheer at the Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld, may live in the neighbourhood of Pantoland, it certainly more in the suburbs; embracing elements while aiming more for a storytelling experience with it’s bubbling and lively script – one which takes risks and bold choices in the narrative, all of which are greatly appreciated and woven in with skill.
A significantly ensemble production, the titular role of Pinocchio is carried with an astonishing amount of playful energy and tongue-in-cheek humour from Julia Murray, in a bouncing and impressive performance which carries plenty of tune and heart with a strong delivery and rapport with the cast. They have great joy leaping about Fraser Lappin’s set which, though initially feeling reserved, is brilliant in its design and economic use of the space – an unfolding main piece for Gepetta’s workshop, and ensuring the rest of the stage isn’t cluttered or wasted, enabling a fluid sense of transition as character leave the stage, almost like flicks of a page in a storybook. And
Cole Stewart’s Gepetta, a rounded and sincere role with a silver tongue – one they know all too well how to use. As a pantomime dame, Stewart is far more decorous than some of the wigs-to-the-wall intensity of others, a refreshing change, and closer to the art of drag than pantomime for a unique twist that works well in this slick and clever show. But what’s more impressive, besides fine vocals, is the genuine nurture and care they bring to the role as Pinocchio’s grandmotherly role, and a central force in holding the cast together.
Regular dogsbodies (literally for Caitlin Forbes role as the family dog Mozart), Forbes and Stephanie MacGaraidh catapult around the stage in various additional roles for the story. Their quick natured changes summed up by one of the more subtle and marvellously theatrical gags delivered by MacGaraidh, about in needing to change costume in ‘six or so lines’, and if you’re counting, they’re spot on. It’s these small moments which make Pinocchio a show with wit and brilliant minds behind, and on the stage, in a way which might not go entirely noticed.
Matched by their talented vocals, the entire cast carry Brian James O’Sullivan’s musical composition and songs brilliantly in a script which balances some powerful original tunes, with a few familiar bars and notes, changed just enough to avoid the Mouse’s infamous legal team. It’s just another element of McNair’s humour is snappy and clever, there’s puns galore, and far more subtle and precise snippets of satire and wordplay which definitely slides over the heads of the little ones – but maybe a few too many of these slides over their heads. The loudest cackles come from the oldest audience members, which make the show feel less for the suggested 7+, and closer to pre-teen humour.
But in balancing the humour and story, the show can’t help being a wee bit of a pantomime in an effort to bridge to youngsters, but some of the younger watchers aren’t entirely sure what sort of show it is – sometimes hesitant to shout out and interact even when the cast and encouraging them. Laila Noble’s direction makes these elements work, armed with a resilient and game cast who even manage a few cheeky audience interactions which break character. Noble also maintains a striking pacy which makes the most of the cast and the music, championing the shows heart and adventurous nature, making for a slick production which is surprisingly understated in how skilfully it has been created.
Snarky, seasonal, and a right-good take on the tale, Pinocchio from Cumbernauld Theatre is a near-perfect festive story which might just get more giggles from the older audiences than younger. McNair’s script is clever, undoubtedly, but where the show really shines is where it ditches the Pantomime chatter and follows the adventure of storytelling, infusing humour and valuable moments of emotion into the script. Trust us, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a smarter and sharper take on a classic tale – and there’s no noses growing here.
Pinocchio runs at the Lanternhouse, Cumbernauld, until December 29th
Running time – Two hours and twenty minutes with one interval
Photo Credit – Mihaela Bodlovic
Review by Dominic Corr (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Lead editor of Corr Blimey and a freelance critic for Scottish publications, Dominic has written for and contributed to several established and respected publications such as BBC Radio Scotland, The Scotsman, The List, The Skinny, Edinburgh Festival Magazine, The Reviews Hub, In Their Own League, and The Wee Review. As of 2023, he is a member of the Critic’s Award for Theatre Scotland (CATS) and a member of the UK Film Critics.
