Review: COPPELIA - A MYSTERY, New Vic Theatre Staffordshire

Photo credit: Jenny Harper

Traditionally Coppelia is known to be a ballet and whilst Theresa Heskins’ adaptation does include dance, it is much more of a storytelling piece.

The story is that of Dr Coppelius and his Coppelia.  Is she just a doll? Or is there something more happening here?

On arrival at the New Vic theatre, the audience are directed outside to a small man-made town constructed within the theatre’s grounds.  Amongst Dr Coppelius’ workshop, woodland and a street of shop fronts, we are encouraged to look for the hidden spare doll’s eyes which Swanhilde, our storyteller, tells us she discovered and then lost.

Sat outside in glorious sunshine, the story began. Gathered outside Dr Coppelius’ toy shop window, we see Coppelia (Dr Coppelius’ most beautiful doll) dancing, it is the same time and place that this happens every day.

As an audience, we are then ushered into the main auditorium, or the inside of the toy shop and Dr Coppelius’ home as we see it.  This is where the mischievous Swanhilde plans to spy on Dr Coppelius and his creation, but it doesn’t all quite go to plan.

A small amount of audience interaction throughout adds to the intimate nature of the piece and makes it an ideal magical experience for families of all ages to enjoy.

With a running time of just under an hour, even small children will be able to enjoy this story and join in the adventure.

Showing until the 7 August, this production is a must to keep the kids entertained now the holidays have started.

A very relaxing and entertaining tale to watch.

***** 5 stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

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