Our recent trip to The Lowry Theatre to see The Snail and the Whale by Tall Stories was a highly anticipated family outing, especially as we are avid fans of Julia Donaldson’s works. Having enjoyed Tall Stories' adaptations of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom, we were eager to experience their latest production.
The adaptation of The Snail and the Whale presents a fresh take by intertwining Donaldson’s classic story with a secondary narrative about a young girl and her naval father. This narrative device—where the father reads the story to his daughter while away at sea—adds an interesting layer but can be somewhat disjointed. The transitions between the father’s story and the snail’s adventure felt a bit jarring, leading to confusion, particularly for younger audience members. My five-year-old daughter struggled to grasp the connection between the two storylines, which made it challenging to fully engage with the performance.
The minimalist set design uses a few versatile props creatively to depict the whale and various settings. While this approach keeps the production simple and adaptable, it may lack the visual richness that some children’s theatre productions offer. The lighting complements the scenes well, providing a clear and effective backdrop that enhances the storytelling without overshadowing the performers. The costumes, while functional, are quite basic. The girl wears a simple bun and a snail backpack to represent the titular character, while other costumes are equally understated. This minimalistic approach fits the production's overall style but may not be as visually stimulating as some other adaptations we've seen. The music, predominantly featuring a violin played by Jamie Jackson-Ives, is one of the highlights of the show. The live performance adds a delicate and atmospheric touch to the narrative. However, unlike previous Tall Stories productions, this one features fewer catchy songs, relying heavily on repetition of a single tune. While the violin's melodies are pleasant, the lack of a varied musical score was noticeable.
The cast of three delivers strong performances despite the constraints. Jamie Jackson-Ives shines as the narrator, bringing warmth and musicality to the role. Molly Rolfe and Aaron Millard effectively portray the daughter and the whale, respectively, although their roles demand frequent transitions that might be confusing for younger viewers. The cast’s ability to engage with the audience through interactive elements, like hiding games and playful antics, is a definite strength.
While The Snail and the Whale provides an enjoyable family outing, it falls slightly short compared to other Tall Stories productions. The story’s flow and the dual narrative might be challenging for younger children to follow, and the minimalistic set and costume designs, coupled with a limited musical score, may not fully captivate those familiar with more elaborate adaptations. Nevertheless, the performance is still engaging and offers a heartfelt adaptation of a beloved story. With its solid cast and pleasant violin music, it remains a worthwhile experience for families, earning a three-star rating.
If you would like more information about the show click the button below for Tall Stories official website.
Photo Credit - Tobias Dobrzynski
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