Tall Stories was co-founded by artistic directors Olivia Jacobs and Toby Mitchell and this school holidays they bring Wilde Creatures to the Sydney Opera House. It is not to be missed!
We begin in a small town – a drab, dreary place bereft of colour. When the mayor demands a new statue, the question is: who should the statue represent? In answering this, Oscar Wilde’s timeless stories are brought to life.
Lauren Silver, Matt Jopling, Steve McCourt and Tom Jude make up the cast. Individually unique and brilliant, combined they spur each other on to fill the stage with energy. As a story ends, another begins and the actors move seamlessly from one character to the next – a sack of flour swells a shirtfront or a hat changes a height. It is all superbly timed and the switch is such fun to watch.
The music is fantastic. It is the heart of the show beating with strong boot tapping that lifts the audience out of their seats throughout the magical story telling. The Student’s Song which laments the ability to understand love epitomises everything that is wonderful about Wilde Creatures. The lyrics are clever and witty, the choreography is fun and creative and the cast bring it all together in spectacular fashion. With few props and big talent it is amazing how a blue scarf can traverse the realms of literature, biology, astrology and “ghost…ology”.
There is something about Oscar Wilde’s stories that hold shadows – a darkness to them that is missing in many modern day stories that end in neat little bows with happy endings. Wilde Creatures finds the balance: letting the shadows feel dark and shining a light to banish the clouds.
The design of the show is fabulous. Both the set and the costume design were so seamlessly woven into the story telling, they felt like extra cast members. From the West End in London to the Sydney Opera House, Tall Stories has honed Wilde Creatures to perfection and this joyful, beautifully crafted telling of tales is spectacular.
Sydney Opera House presents a Tall Stories and Nica Burns Production
Wilde Creatures
Venue: Sydney Opera House, NSW
Dates: 7 – 14 July 2018
Tickets: $25 + $8.50 booking fee
Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
ALSO
Venue: Riverside Theatres, NSW
Dates: 19 – 21 July 2018
Tickets: $24 – $31 + booking fee
Bookings: riversideparramatta.com.au
