Sunflowers & Sheds
M6 Theatre
Scartho Methodist Church
03 December 2022
It was a pleasure and a privilege today to visit Scartho Methodist Church in order to see a children's theatre show preented as a part of Our Future Starts Here, Grimsby. Sunflowers & Sheds is the latest touring production from master theatre makers M6 Theatre from Rochdale. It is a show designed for audiences of 4+ and was a wonderfully, charming example of how to tell stories to, and for, children.
The story was simple enough. Frank is an old man whose family live in Australia and he misses them dreadfully. They keep in touch via a series of postcards and he keeps his loneliness at bay by cultivating an allotment, though the next allotment along is starting to look a bit of a mess since is friend passed away. Frank talks to his vegetables everyday to encourage them to grow as he waters them lovingly, before sitting down for a nice cup of tea and to read the latest postcard from his grandson (and his daughter), now living in Australia.
Then one day, a new, young neighbour moves onto the allotment next to Frank and her presence is more than a little disruptive. Isabella is an immigrant who lives in Britain, but whose family also live half a world away, something she and Frank have in common. Isabella is a wonderfully vibrant young woman who embraces life and wants nothing more than to grow sunflowers, raise chickens and make new friends. Initially, Isabella's disruptive presence worries Frank, who doesn;t like change but her kindness wins him around and the two begin to share their produce from the allotment, enjoy each other's company, and encourage each other when times seem tough.
The message of the story is perhaps that we should learn to accept people who are different from us, because they can help us as much as the people we already know and trust. We can learn new things from people if we can accept that they are different and yet in many ways, just the same as us. Being open, friendly and kind can make us happy and making others happy is something we should try to do whenever we can.
The production, co-written by Gilly Baskeyfield & Dot Wood is directed by Gilly Baskeyfield. They create a world of wonder that is beautifully realised through Joss Matzen's design. The set is semi-realistic - we see a cut away fo Frank's shed and yet never question it and the clever way in which his vegetables "grow" before our very eyes is excellent - and features some delightfully colourful flowers and set pieces in Isabella's domain too. The script never patronises its intended audience and treats them with respect. As a result, the young children in the audience were engrossed by what was happening on stage, especially when the chickens were introduced through some very realistic puppets.
The international, intergenerational friendship of Frank and Isabella is both charming and sets a great example for children to follow by accepting others who are different. It was touchng to see the friendship blossom, often without words, and the joy of them dancing to the old standard "Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens" was palpable. The original score by Tayo Akinbode was also bright, sunny and cheerful, never too intrusive and teh perfect underscoring for the work. There were so many little moments that caught the eye and seemed like a picture book being painted before our very eyes. The effect with the fan and the confetti was magical, the wheel falling off the bike was unexpected and watching thephysical effort involved in Frank stepping up and down into his shed all stayed with me after leaving.
Frank was played with great dignity by Declan WIlson. His every movement was considered and full of character, his distrusful approach to change was played perfectly. We knew he was never a bad person, he was just scared of new things and new ways of doing things. His slow, controlled, heavy movement demonstarted a life well-lived and a retirement being enjoyed. By contrast, Isabella was played beautifully by Maya Szlachetko. Her smile was brighter and more cheerful than the sunflowers she lovingly grew and it was hard watching her feeling hurt when Frank misinterpreted her intentions early on. Who wouldn't want a caring friend with such a sunny disposition as Isabella?
This play may well have been designed for a young audience but there was more than enough to keep the accompanying adults entertained too. It is no surprise that M6 Theatre has been around for over 40 years successfully making theatre for young audiences. There storytelling is exemplary and truly capivating. I hope to see more of their work in the none too distant future.
Andy Evans - 03 December 2022
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