Theatre Review: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice @ Buxton Opera House

It is twelve months since Buxton Opera House first collaborated with Cahoots NI. That was for the much acclaimed The Vanishing Elephant which was a puppeteer’s dream. I am delighted to say that The Sorcerer’s Apprentice which is the latest co-production between the two companies is an even better family delight with its melange of music, magic and masterful puppeteering.

Set in the deep and eerie forests somewhere in Scandinavia, the story tells the tale of a young girl Gunda (Philippa O’Hara) who lives with her Mum (Orla Gormley) and Dad (James Grimm). Gunda’s father was once a talented woodworker but has now – for no apparent reason – lost all of his skills and, even worse, after a disastrous trip into the woods, falls into a deep coma.

Every year on her birthday Gunda receives a present from the Sorcerer (Nimshi Kongolo) who lives in a cave deep in the woods but on her thirteenth birthday she receives an invitation to become apprentice to the man of magic who realises that age is weakening his powers.

Knowing that a knowledge of magic may be the only way to help her father, Gunda ventures to the Sorcerer’s cave where she is given a warm welcome and begins her journey to become the new Sorcerer.

Unfortunately, there is another contender for the Apprentice’s crown in the form of Marith (Jennifer Hague) who was once gaining the benefits of the powers of magic and is now turning those powers for the force of evil instead of good. Will Gunda overcome her adversary? And will an ill-judged performance of her new found skills to impress her schoolmates and terrorise teacher Miss Fumble (Christina Nelson) earn her tutor’s wrath? It is great fun to find the answers.

O’Hara is commanding in her part as Gunda and Kongolo is perfectly cast as a sorcerer who uses his powers for the good of his community. A truly imposing figure. Meanwhile, Hague – a Peak District resident from Chapel en le Frith – is excellent as a pantomime baddy who relishes her role. There is also high quality support from all cast members.

However, what makes the production special is the puppetry from Iris Schmid and Emily Essery under the direction of Helen Foan and the illusions designed by Guy Barrett. These had the younger members of the audience wide-eyed and open-mouthed in amazement.

There is an atmospheric score composed by Fiona O’Kane and Neve Hutchinson and all is backed by a simple but effective set designed by Diana Ennis and dramatic lighting designed by Simon Bond. Director Paul McEneaney and his team of creatives have done the writing talents of Charles Way proud to produce a feel good family show that left the audience in raptures as they made their way home.

Although the scarier moments may be too much for the very youngest family members, this was a truly magical show that would appeal to all in a family group with lots to entertain those of all ages in the audience. A massive hit that brings the wonders of magic, mystery and music to the stage. Catch it while you can.

The show continues until June 6^th and has a running time of approximately 1 hour 40 minutes including interval. For ticket information contact 01298 72190