As a reviewer, and parent, it’s always fun coming to see a children’s show about you and your child companion (Henri, 3) know nothing. So it was on Tuesday for The Koala Who Could (Rose Theatre), based on the book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer, adapted and directed by Emma Earle, is destined to make the eponymous Koala, called Kevin, a children’s stage favourite for many years to come. At 55 minutes long, it is the perfect length for children of Henri’s age and there’s no doubt she is now a big Kevin fan. He made her laugh out loud many times especially during a crazy rush hour scene.
The cast of three – Christopher Finn (Kevin, Danny Hendrix (Wombat) and Sarah Palmer (Cassowary), who are also storytellers – bring a verve and energy that immediately connects with the excited audience, helped by a lovely opening scene that introduced us to a wonderfully colourful group of puppet animals with the spectacular outback as the backdrop (set designed by Oli Townsend). The actors sing, dance and display excellent puppeteering skills and during the snappy songs they combine singing with some funky choreographed moves. Palmer is hilarious as a Cassowary (a flightless bird who have been known to attack humans, when provoked – you have been warned!)
and Hendrix too as Wombat, an endearing and snuggly Wombat. However, Finn has landed the plum role as Kevin, a puppet who even just to look at will melt your heart and want to cuddle, or be cuddled, by him. Finn brings personality, charm and a great deal of fun and lovability.
Because the underlying theme of the play is about how they manage change the actors sometimes switch from puppet to actor/storyteller to make that point. Initially Henri was a little confused but once settled it became a simple way of asking those questions of Kevin and his pals, all of whom come to terms with the challenges with grit and gusto. Strongly recommended and in Kevin the Koala ?, King of the staying-still-kings, a puppet star ⭐ is born.
The Koala Who Could – www.rosetheatre.org – and on tour
Photo credit: Pamela Raith