On 9 November, 2023, I went to see 'The Box of Delights' , at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, in Stratford-Upon-Avon. The show, based on the classic children's fantasy novel, by former Poet Laureate, John Masefield, was the latest festive offering from the Royal Shakespeare Company.
A young orphan boy, Kay Harker, is travelling back from school, to spend Christmas with his guardian, Caroline Louisa (Annette McLaughlin), when he befriends travelling showman, and powerful magician, Cole Hawlings (Stephen Boxer), on the train, and is given a magical box, which has the ability to transport him back in time. Kay is given the task of safeguarding the box, which is being sought after by an evil magician, Abner Brown (Richard Lynch).
Kai is tasked with the crucially important job of saving Christmas. He is aided in his quest by brother and sister, Peter and Maria Jones. Maria, in particular, is a very likeable and feisty character, who is always more than ready for an adventure.
The three actors playing the children, Callum Balmforth (Kai), Mae Munuo (Maria), and Jack Humphrey (Peter), gave very convincing and energetic performances, and captured the childlike qualities, required for their roles, perfectly.
There was live music and singing throughout the show - mainly Christmas carols, but there was also some incidental music, which accompanied the action.
The show made use of puppetry: my favourite being Barney, Hawlings' waggy-tailed dog, who appeared so realistic. His behaviour was captured perfectly, and he was truly adorable. The Phoenix was also very well portrayed, with its magnificent layers of shimmering gold feathers - very enchanting and magical. Kai, was also portrayed in miniature at times throughout the story, as one of the abilities of the box, was to shrink him to the size of a Borrower. Kai's 'mini-me' puppet was controlled by Callum Balmforth himself. One of the scenes in Act One, also made use of shadow puppetry, to help set the scene, and tell of the war between the two powerful magicians, which had gone before.
The aerial sequences were spectacular, and definitely worthy of a mention - especially the one towards the end of Act Two, where Kai is attempting to save Maria from the terrible flood.
The production also made use of stunning visual effects. I especially liked the toy train set, with its steaming engine, and carriage windows all aglow, which magically comes alive, The cascading water effect, when the sluice gate was opened to cause a flood, was also very striking.
The production was very engaging, fast paced, and full of imagination. It was extremely enjoyable, and I would definitely recommend it.
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