The Emperor and the Nightingale December 2002 to January 2003 , The Dukes, Lancaster
Production photos : review
This is a re-telling of Hans Christian Anderson's story, and begins in a fabulous imperial Chinese palace, the stage is set with huge colourful banners - together with and oriental orchestra at one side.
The action is beautifully presented by the cast, who are clear and animated the whole way through!
The atmosphere is conveyed to the audience in true theatre, there are none of the silly-season panto dames or principal boys etc. In this performance we are treated to the best thing that the Dukes has done for ages. The audience was mostly children, who were captivated and enthralled for the whole time. You could have heard a pin drop - no fidgeting, no winging and whining - they were watching, listening and involved for the entire performance.
Without being told they even hissed and booed in the right places!
This is an all-action performance, the cast moves effortlessly from acting to playing instruments, singing and dancing.
The dragon is huge - with fiery eyes, and at times the players race through the audience - what a treat!
Overall verdict - superb.
Don't waste your money on panto - pick up the phone and book this now, there are many SOLD OUT performances, and so they should be.
Alan Chard
1 Dec 2002