Review by Rosie Holmes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's half term, and the Rose Theatre in Kingston are presenting The Koala Who Could as their family friendly show! Based on the bestselling book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, this charming and heartwarming production is a perfect treat for young theatregoers, staying true to the story while adding extra flair with the addition of some catchy songs. I was totally new to the story, so I mentioned it to my niece—and she instantly and excitedly told me she had read the book at school, and started to tell me about the loveable protagonist, Kevin the Koala.
At 55 minutes long, the show impressively expands on the short picture book. The core story is still there, but the addition of songs and sketch-like scenes stretches it out and adds a layer of playfulness. However, sometimes it felt like the message of the story took a bit of a back seat as these extra bits filled time. That being said, the scene setting of the outback was well worth it with an opening scene that showcased some visually stunning elements including puppets of the various animals, from platypuses to kangaroos, that were a joy to watch and genuinely awe-inspiring, especially for the young audience (and for me too!).
But the true star of the show is without a doubt Kevin the Koala. Kevin is brought to life with a brilliant puppet performance, full of sass, humour, and an undeniable charm. My nephew couldn't stop talking about him the entire way home! Portrayed using puppetry, in a form that reflects Jim Field’s original illustrations wonderfully, he is, in my 4 year old nephew’s words, ‘very cute’. Kevin is also portrayed by an actor in different scenes rather than puppet, which is a clever tool that allows his character to portray deeper emotions, especially as he confronts his fears and struggles to embrace change.
Leading a small cast of three, Christopher Finn takes on the role of storyteller and of Kevin the Koala. All three actors showcase their talents, that of puppeteer, singer, and character actor, but Finn really stands out as the incredibly heartwarming Kevin. Danny Hendrix is ‘Wombat’ as well as storyteller, again deftly swapping between roles and puppets. Sarah Palmer is a storyteller and a Cassowary, which I learned today is a flightless bird. She is extremely funny in this role, the Cassowary being Brummie (I’m not sure why?) but it showcased her knack for warm and funny character acting.
With taking young children to the theatre, I always worry with the incredible special effects they see daily on the tv, that they won’t be so impressed. However, this was certainly not the case with the show, and going to a theatre filled with children enjoying a show always makes my heart happy. Set design by Oli Townsend piqued my nephew’s interest from the moment he walked in and continued to wow throughout. Small touches, like a ‘zoomed’ in version of Kevin’s tree and the warm toned scenery that transported us straight to the outback made sure the young audience were enthralled throughout.
Whether for fans of the book, or those new to the story, The Koala who Could is a heartwarming show that is a perfect family outing for half term. It showcases wonderful visuals that will delight young theatregoers, but also tells an important story about embracing change.
The Koala who Could plays at The Rose Theatre in Kingston until 23rd February 2025, tickets and further information can be found here- https://www.rosetheatre.org/whats-on/305/from-the-creators-of-the-lion-inside/the-koala-who-could
Photos by Pamela Raith