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Review: MRS WISHY-WASHY at PUMPHOUSE Theatre, Auckland
The production runs from 21 September til 12 October in Auckland, at The Pumphouse, Takapuna and at Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau from 15 – 18 October.
By: Glenda Pearce Sep. 24, 2024
Prepare to be entirely entertained and amused yourself when you take the young ones along to see Tim Bray’s hilarious holiday production, Mrs Wishy-Washy. Well-respected Auckland’s leading theatre for children and for ingenious interpretation, this is yet again imaginative theatre at its finest. In fact, it’s quite simply genius!
Even if you think you know the children’s books by Joy Cowley, you will be astonished by the way the story has been inventively re-imagined for the younger audience. What could be funnier than lumps of mud flying through the air and landing in the house, only to be followed by three very lively “lovely mud” catchy songs from Cow (Max Cumberpatch),Pig (Rebecca Ansell) and Duck (Grant Zent). Brilliantly cast, and performing with energy, totally immersed in their fabulously fun characters, these very talented and expressive three will steal your hearts and take you along many imaginatively executed moments.
This is well-directed (Linda McFetridge) physicalised performance that engrossed everyone! Linda McFetridge thrives on creativity and blending artistry. This is very evident in the skilled expertise of this production. Children totally identified with the fun of getting mucky in the mud, and then being washed in the bubble bath with all those lovely bubbles… and then getting dirty again! Beside me, a wee voice said, “That’s such a funny song.” As promised in the publicity, “This tale teaches valuable lessons about determination, friendship and the consequences of one’s actions, while offering plenty of opportunities to enjoy some good, clean, laugh-out loud fun.
One of the most inventive touches is the superbly executed mime work from the personified Mud/Bubbles/Water/Carwash (Carolyn Lamonde). This is perfectly performed pantomime at its finest. Other outstanding moments include the farcical Charlie Chaplin chases, the hilarious moments when Cow, Pig and Duck help to “clean” the garden, the clever touches such as the animals only talking “human” when no humans are around, and the classic “look out, he’s over there” when mischief is about to create chaos.
And of course, we have the cleanliness-driven Mrs Wishy-Washy (Clare Adams) and helpful husband Mr Wishy-Washy (Verity George). Every look, every pose, every action, every line – irresistible. Supporting and alternate cast Kat Glassand Kazim Khan bring touches of fun, flair and expertise.
Creative lighting (Steve Marshall), fun soundtrack (Marshall Smith), original songs (Christine White) and imaginatively directed and skilfully enacted, it’s a MUST SEE for children aged 3 – 8 years in the holidays. Just an hour long, it’s a perfect length for that age group. This is a fantastically funny children’s show of an international standard.
I particularly appreciated the contribution of the NZ sign language interpreter at the side of the stage (Platform Interpreting NZ Ltd.) ensuring that everyone could follow the narrative. The interpreters add another layer of performance. This is inclusion at its best.
Tim Bray Theatre Company is committed to making their shows accessible and inclusive for everyone. For this season of Mrs Wishy-Washy the company will have Sensory Relaxed, NZSL interpreted, and Audio Described performances available for audiences to enjoy. TBTC also aims to provide almost 3,000 tickets through their Gift a Seat® programme for schools that apply for support, Make-A-Wish families, and to education groups needing an accessible performance.
The production runs from 21 September til 12 October in Auckland, at The Pumphouse, Takapuna and at Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau from 15 – 18 October.
DEFINITELY take the children along! What the audience can expect is a brilliantly conceived professional production – fabulously fun, joy filled and delightfully delivered.
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