The Snail and the Whale

115270 original

Rather than being a simple stage production of the Julia Donaldson book, Tall Stories’ show is more of a story within a story. Told through the eyes of a young girl preparing once again to say goodbye to her beloved dad as he returns to his job at sea, it’s their relationship and the fun they have together that is so entertaining. She is the snail to his whale and desperate for adventures on the open seas.

There are high-energy performances from the two main characters and they have a natural chemistry that only adds to the humour and warmth of this piece. The narrator—the now grown up girl—creates wonderful sound effects with her viola throughout and treats us to a foot stomping folk tune to finish off the show.

There were lots of laughs and shouts from the audience throughout and all of the children seemed hooked for the duration. This isn’t a show for very young children though; Tall Stories are spot on with their 4-10 years recommended age range. Whilst the original rhyming book is certainly in there, kids will need to follow the story as it flicks between different periods and the dad disappears and reappears. 

Expect to leave the theatre happy and smiling. But beware of water pistols.