Wise Children

I just finished watching, Emma Rice’s boisterous dark take on Angela Carter’s final novel that she published on 1991. It was well adapted, and the cast’s portrayal was a fine cut to say the least. Having not read the novel I wasn’t sure what to expect and the opening scene made me wonder if I’d actually enjoy it. However it soon drew me in and I was curious to hear the tale of Dora and Nora Chance’s life.

There are a lot of elements that surprised me, I certainly wasn’t expecting the puppets! (Caucasian Chalk Circle or Avenue Q anyone?)

Katy Owen, who played Grandma Chance, was brilliant and reminded me very much of Catherine Tate’s character, Nan. I’m pretty sure that was the idea they were going for, if not then fabulous performance either way, although it came off as disturbing in many ways. There are now images that will remain engraved in my mind for the rest of my life, Thanks Grandma!

I like a bit of dark humor and a heart stopping story line within a good play but the ones in, “Wise Children,” were very serious and touches upon subjects that to many can be very personal but it gets the message across. It spreads a good awareness of neglect, abuse, love, loss, sex and the struggles overall of being born into this world with young immature parents.

Can’t help but love Gareth Snook’s portrayal of 75 year old Dora, done very much in the style of a pantomime dame. It was refreshing to see the cast playing multiple roles regardless of gender and it was wonderful to see the cast move effortlessly between scenes using the caravan as the main focus but giving a clear indication of its use as different buildings.

The dancing was funny, engaging and cheesy at times. The stunts were well performed and solid, the actors moved around then stage flawlessly.

There are some good old classics within the play, these consisting of:

• Irving Berlin’s “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”
• Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”
• The Willow Song” from Othello.

Many that Angela listened to when writing, “Wise Children.”

It wouldn’t be an Emma Rice’s play without some good old Shakespeare. I particularly liked the scene suggesting Shakespeare was a cross dresser.

The ending is like history repeating itself, with Nora and Dora taking in twin girls who have been left on their door step. It was almost like fate, Nora wanting to have children and her wish finally being granted after all those years.

It goes in depth about despite all the hardship, and struggles life throws at you there will always be a time to laugh, sing, dance and be joyful. Though in the beginning I told myself I wasn’t going to enjoy “Wise Children,” my mind went against itself and proceeded to become engrossed in the characters, the acting, the singing, the dancing as well as the strong powerful components and willpower that took the story right out of the book and chucked it directly in our faces!