Playbox Theatre’

Press, 31 August 1989, Page 6

Playbox Theatre’

“Playbox Theatre,” by Riccarton Players at the Mill Theatre in Wise Street. August 30 until September 10 at 6.30 p.m. or 2 p.m. on week-ends. Running time: One hour. Reviewed by Elody Rathgen. Riccarton 1 Players has established a reputation for its reliable children’s theatre playbox. The pattern which works is a short selection of various favourite rhymes and stories which children have loved and continue to love. There are several evergreens such as “James, James, Morrison, Morrison” and “Three Billy Goats Gruff.” But there are more recent arrivals as well, such as “The Practical Princess.” She is gratifyingly non-sexist! The programme is well balanced and varied. There are lively opportunities for

audience participation. The idea of organising two soccer teams to play Moon football was I thought, brave. It seemed to work. The company of actors worked well as a team. After some initial signs of nerves they settled down enthusiastically. There was a lot of lively active movement and some good variety of voice. Perhaps the last and longest piece could do with a little tightening up. It seemed less polished than other sections of the programme. Playbox Theatre is suitable for young audiences. The theatre, though rather cold on opening night, is otherwise a good venue for this type of theatre, allowing easy access for audience participation and a suitable degree of intimacy.