The Little Prince **** 1/2

‘The Little Prince’ is being presented by actors and puppets, for the duration of the Easter school holidays, at the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre in Fremantle. Twice daily at 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m.

How often does one see a children’s show where the thinking is - the props don’t really matter and a couple of flood lights will do the trick? Unfortunately all too often, but never by the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre who have been thrilling children for many years now.

This production, based on the old French tale, has been adapted beautifully by Simon Clarke who has realised that what ever the child’s age, they should never be talked down to. This story flows delightfully as the story, which is stored in many boxes, unfolds.

Two wharfies, Damon Lockwood and Mark Storen, are handling a pile of boxes on the quayside and curiosity as to their contents wins. They open them up one at a time with the result that an unusual and exciting story unfolds.

Before the play started, one could hear the children in the audience speculating as to the contents, but the ‘transformer-like’ changes surprised us all. The clever props, designed by Jiri Zmitko, were truly ingenious. Coupled with the simple but appropriate catchy music by Lee Buddle the show sparkled. Sharon Custers (under the wing of Graham Walne) designed her first lighting. It was as well thought out, and as complex as many adult productions with good choice of filters and lamp type.

Michael Barlow’s direction kept the production moving – and the actors, who had to do all the prop changes and set assembly – continued with a smile!

This was a wonderful show for the children of all ages, at a good price. A holiday MUST.