(Pic: Sarah Hawthorn as Sally)Enchanting story telling to entertain the youngsters during the long school holidays. (Review by Maurice Kort)
Wrap yourselves up warmly, and the kiddies as well, and take them to the Durban Botanic Gardens where you will all be warmed further by Sally Sunshine's Most Amazing Suitcase, the latest offering by the Actors Co-Operative. It is indeed good to see Garth Anderson in action again. He has directed this delightful children's entertainment which he co-wrote with Cape Town actress Candace Walt.
The play features a solo performance by new actress Sarah Hawthorn, a breath of fresh air from the moment she makes her appearance as Sally Sunshine with her large suitcase. She is suitably clothed in a brightly-coloured dress, adding even more warmth to the production. She settles comfortably at her little table, brightened by a delightful flower arrangement for a refreshing cup of tea and develops an instant rapport with the children - and their parents.
Sally delves into her large suitcase to see what she can find and with suitable props she introduces three short stories. The first, with a toy hare, is The Tortoise and the Hare. As well as narrating the story, she takes the parts of the arrogant self-centred hare who boasts as being the fastest in the world - and insists on proving it - and the staid tortoise who loves nothing more than enjoying all about it at his own pace. The tortoise is thus bullied into racing from Durban to Peter-rabbits-burg (what a lovely touch). Of course the story is well known but one hangs on Sally's every word and action.
The next story is The Princess and the Pea and the prop used to introduce the story is of course a tiara crown, what else? The story is given a distinct South African flavour by being set in several little villages in KwaZulu-Natal and entails a dried pea under 20 mattresses and 20 blankets. Only a princess would be so discomforted by the pea that she would not be able to get a moment's sleep. Although not mentioned in the play, it does remind me of the anecdote of many years ago where the princess was interviewed by a newspaper reporter subsequent to the test and quipped "I wish they would invent an easier test to ascertain the status of a princess. This one is absolute agony". Sarah Hawthorn again takes the parts of the various characters involved in the tale. She switches delightfully and uses the whole stage to good effect in all the stories.
The third story is The Ugly Duckling, introduced by a little toy duck extracted from the amazing suitcase. Once again the audience is enthralled and participates enthusiastically when addressed by Sally Sunshine. With many years’ experience, Garth Anderson knows the correct formula to produce theatre for children and he has brought out the best in Sarah Hawthorn. It is hoped that we see more of her.
The play is ideal for first-time theatre-goers and will be appreciated especially by children aged six and under and of course by their parents and siblings. At 45 minutes in length it is short enough for them to enjoy with their limited attention span and without requiring a drink or a toilet break.
Sally Sunshine's Most Amazing Suitcase is ideal holiday entertainment to keep the youngsters occupied in their extra long July school holiday with performances at 10h00 on Tuesdays to Sundays until July 11 in the Open Air Theatre in the Durban Botanic Gardens, about 50 metres above the Tea Room. Tickets available an hour before each performance at R30 pp with advance booking from Garth Anderson, Actors Co-operative on 073 902 8889. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early as there is a colouring-in competition before the performances - bring your own crayons or share those provided. – Maurice Kort
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