Magical Faraway Tree
Live Review

Having heard the laughter, rapturous applause and whistles through the walls of this piece of comic theatre while I was in another show, I was intrigued to find out what made it so special.

Three first time Edinburgh performers called Dead Place Theatre have created a modern spin on Enid Blyton's children's story with our hero Dick, encountering the Magical Faraway Tree in an effort to save his ailing mother. Great physical performers, who threw themselves on to the floor with abandon, they created a series of fantasy scenes which held the audience in their spell throughout the journey. Expressive faces,  and, it has to be said, the great variation in the dimensions of the three actors, helped create the humour. The performers’ inability to keep straight faces at times only added to the comedy.

However, whereas half the audience loved the silliness of the whole thing others, myself included, didn't find it as funny. Probably it helps if you are into fantasy stories and pantomime. But these were very talented young performers, obviously thoroughly enjoying what they were doing. It will be interesting to see what they bring to the Fringe next year.