Perfect Alternative Pantomime At Hull Truck The Borrowers

If you’re looking for an alternative to pantomime during this festive season, Hull Truck’s Christmas production The Borrowers, created by Mary Norton and imaginatively adapted by Charles Way, is the perfect choice.

Mary Norton originally wrote the story in 1952 in response to the invasion of Czechoslovakia. Sadly we are still witnessing numerous examples of people being forced to flee their homes through no fault of their own, seeking sanctuary. Hull Truck’s production set the story against a backdrop of Christmas in East Yorkshire during the 1940s Blitz, and it clearly shows a parallel to the modern world.

The show got off to a festive start with a lively short medley of Christmas carols, and the live music continued in new, original songs, and also as a backdrop at times to the action on stage, creating the required atmosphere most effectively. 

John Biddle (composer) and musical director Jonathan Mitra, along with a small, talented cast who contributed to the live music as well as playing their roles, created a real sense of adventure and fun with a festive finale by the fireside to complete the magic of this Christmas production.

We really felt for the family of three: Mum, Homily (Deb Pugh); Dad, Pod (Marc Akinfolarin); and their restless teenage daughter, Arrietty (Bea Glancy), as their previously peaceful (if rather claustrophobic in Arrietty’s opinion) lives were shattered after the arrival of evacuee George (Ewan Ling) once he became aware of their presence. Clever staging really helped build up tension.

We in the audience knew he only wanted to help, but when you’re knee-high to a grasshopper (or cricket, which has a delightful cameo in the show), all human beans spell danger. The tension escalated and reached a climactic peak in the first half, as Megan Leigh Mason's portrayal of the manic Mrs. Driver believed she had exterminated the tiny inhabitants.

Fortunately, in the second half, we discovered that the family had survived but were now very vulnerable and homeless. Stunning set designs (there was a complete set change in the interval) along with outstanding costumes, props, and puppets all kept us engaged. The delightful interaction between Spiller (Rachael Garner, who also played Crampfurl and Shelta) and Arrietty explored the theme of growing friendship in unlikely circumstances and the power of kindness and compassion.

Colourful, uplifting, and wonderfully whimsical at times, this is a delightful production for all the family, but note that it’s not suitable for children under seven years old. 

Recommended

Christmas Production: The Borrowers Age 7+
continues at Hull Truck Theatre until Saturday 4th January 2025