FIVE STARS
THE relationship
between a grandmother and her young granddaughter is the subject of
Tove Jansson's The Summer Book.
The beautifully crafted
story has been translated into a fantastic stage production now on at
The Unicorn Theatre in Tooley Street.
It stars Sara Kestelman
as the Grandmother and Sammy Foster and Amy Snudden who alternate the
role of Sophia the granddaughter.
It is set on a remote
island in Finland where six-year-old Sophia and her grandmother spend
the summer months together.
At first their
relationship is somewhat tense and frosty as they both adapt to each
other, their surroundings, characters and find out more about how
each other ticks.
But gradually a deep
and profund love emerges between the pair as they explore the island
together, get to know each other, help each other and see things from
each others point of view.
There is also a
confidence that emerges between the two as they grow more at ease
with each other and in Sophia's case, her surroundings - from dipping
her toe in the water to eventually diving off the cliffs and to
exploring the island on her own.
It is very much a story
of love, understanding, life and loss as well as adventure and an
exploration of life and the dialogue between the pair brings out all
of these emotions.
It is also an
incredibly beautiful and gentle piece and incredibly emotional.
On the night I saw it
Sara Kestelman was joined by Sammy Foster as Sophia and the bond
between the pair was fantastic.
Mention must also be
made of the ingenious set on the thrust stage. A bed sits at the back
of the stage which slopes forward towards the audience and which has
been created to look like grassland on a cliff top and allows Sophia
to give the impression she is diving, swimming, dipping her toe in
the water or even getting stuck in a ravine.
It is billed as being
suitable for those aged six and over but it will have resonance with
anyone who has had a deep bond with their own grandparent. Just
beautiful.
The Summer Book is on
at the Unicorn Theatre, Tooley Street until June 29. Tickets cost £16
for adults, £13 concessions and £10 for under 21s. Call the box
office on 020 7645 0560 or visit www.unicorntheatre.com
No comments:
Post a Comment