Roald Dahl’s The Twits Review (Adapted for the stage by shake & stir theatre co)
Summary: Roald Dahl's The Twits by stage by shake & stir theatre co is a hilarious and captivating adaptation
5
Hilarious
Roald Dahl’s classic tale The Twits, has been cleverly adapted into a children’s play that captures the mischievous spirit and dark humor of the original story. With its imaginative set design, talented cast with uproarious antics, this theatrical production is a wickedly delightful experience for audiences of all ages, including plenty of cheeky innuendos for older theatre goers.
Given that, the play successfully captures the dark humor and mischievous nature that make Dahl’s story so beloved. As a result, the audience is treated to a series of hilarious pranks, grotesque mishaps, and cleverly staged tricks that elicit uproarious laughter. The children in the audience are particularly delighted (and scared) by the playful and wicked nature of the Twits’ shenanigans.
In delivering this play, kudos do stage by shake & stir theatre co who ensure the play stays true to the spirit and essence of Dahl’s original story. Additionally the cast of Tim Dashwood, Billy Fogarty, Reagan Mannix, Kieran McGrath and Judy Hainsworth are a delight to watch and their performance is nothing short of exceptional. The actors fully embrace the eccentricity of their characters, effortlessly embodying the vile and peculiar nature of Mr and Mrs Twit. This helps with the chemistry between the performers as they bounce off each other with excellent timing, delivering the sharp-witted dialogue and physical comedy with finesse.
Additionally, the play doesn’t shy away from the underlying moral lessons found in Dahl’s original story. It effectively conveys messages of the consequences of nastiness, the importance of empathy, and the value of inner beauty. These lessons are seamlessly interwoven into the narrative, allowing young audiences to engage with the story on a deeper level with adults reminiscing and as mentioned, picking up those innuendos thrown at them. Needless to say, the play remains faithful to Dahl’s dark humor that has been slightly softened for a modern audience to ensure that the play is appropriate for children of all ages.
Further, the stage comes alive with a whimsical and dark set that with clever use of lighting and colours brings the peculiar world of Mr and Mrs Twit to life. From the tree in their garden used to capture birds for pies to the upside-down living room ceiling, the attention to detail in the set design adds depth and authenticity to the story. Further costume designs are excellent as is the makeup of Mr and Mrs Twit, including use of dolls to portray children and of course the Roly-Poly Bird and the Muggle-Wump monkeys that all helps in captivating the audience’s imagination and adding an enchanting touch to the performance.
Final Thoughts?
Overall, Roald Dahl’s “The Twits” children’s play is a charming and captivating adaptation that brings the beloved story to life on stage. With its engaging performances, interactive elements, and important moral lessons, it successfully entertains and will leave both children and adults with smiles on their faces. Prepare to be enchanted, amused and thoroughly entertained by this wickedly wonderful theatrical experience that also promotes a valuable lesson to treat others with love and care.
https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2023/kids-and-families/the-twits
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