Review: THE CHRISTMAS FAIRY SHOES, Proteus Creation Space
Scratchbuilt Productions are becoming well known in Hampshire for creating immersive theatre experiences for babies, toddlers and their families. The Christmas Fairy Shoes tells a very simple story that leaves the youngest audience members entranced by the beautiful visual aspects of the show, and the oldest among us with a warm, Christmassy glow!
We start by meeting the principal character, who remains unnamed. Played by Stacy Hart, this animated individual reflects the inner child in all of us - brimming with excitement and Christmas spirit, and writing their letter to Santa. Stylised movement, integrated sign language and a delightfully wacky costume make it impossible to tear your eyes away from Hart, and the audience follow her (and her letter!) through the building and into the post office.
Inside the post office, we meet “Mail Room Elf” (Becky Kitter) and her very cute purple puppet assistant. From the many letterboxes lining the walls, each labelled with a different toy or present, we learn all about the hard work the elves do to make sure that everyone’s letters to Santa get sorted properly. But it’s not just hard work from the elves that’s required - we also need some magic! Every audience member is then invited to make their own magic wand to help all of the Christmas wishes come true. This has the dual purpose of engaging everyone in the storyline, and giving us something to take away with us. We learn of Hart’s characters’ wish to have a visit from a Christmas Fairy, and then we are all on a mission to help her wish come true!
We travel through a magical portal, and into the largest of the spaces - a beautifully decorated winter wonderland, with many sensory stimulants for the little ones to enjoy. It is in this space that the magic really happens, with the use of beautifully crafted puppets by Nick Ash, tiny elf houses, and Christmas lights and trees a-plenty. Megan Brooks makes up this wonderful cast of three, bringing the puppets to life and playing the series of smaller roles such as “Workshop Elf”. During our time in this space, the children are handed small pieces of paper with the words to a magical spell on, while the adults are given instructions to make origami fairy shoes, to take home and leave outside the front door, to prove that the Christmas fairy has visited! This wonderful touch means that the magic can continue for the children after the show has finished.
When we are in the mail room, the elf on duty explains to us that Christmas spirit is “a warm fuzzy feeling - when the world outside is getting darker and the lights are getting brighter”. That is exactly how this show feels. The stunning sets, costumes and puppets make for a visual treat, whilst the simple, gently told story takes us on a truly magical adventure. A perfect first theatrical experience - or whatever your age!
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
The Christmas Fairy Shoes runs until 24 December, with tickets available here.