FIVE stars
AS an antidote to the
traditional Christmas panto the Southwark Playhouse has gone to the
land of the rising sun for inspiration for its festive offering.
Usagi Yojimbo is a tale
adapted from a 30-year-old Japanese comic book and is an absolute
delight - even beginning with the audience getting a lesson in how to
hold a sword and we have great fun pretending how to use it.
The show itself is a
coming of age story about Usagi Yojimbo, a boisterous, tenacious,
impetuous and petulant young rabbit who is in awe of his dead
father's reputation as a samurai swordsman.
So in awe that he wants
to be just like him.
His mother tries to
rein in his curiosity and enthusiasm but one day when she finds that
he is showing off his father's swords to his friends she decides
enough is enough.
So she sends Usagi to a
teacher far away who she hopes will teach him the skills he needs.
However, being the chap
he is, instead of going to the intended school, he meets an old lion,
a former warrior, who he begs to teach him instead.
And so begins Usagi's
journey not only to learn how to use the sword properly but also what
it means to be a samurai.
It features a small and
amazing cast on a simple stage which itself opens up to reveal hidden
treasures tucked away in hidey holes and a lone musician at the back
of the stage provides the live music.
The stage and the
curtain of bamboo on the back wall also become screens for some
beautiful line drawn projections which complement the action on the
stage.
It is at times funny
and poignant but is also full of fun, charm and lots of well
choreographed fights with bamboo poles and other implements.
It is a simple story,
beautifully told and will appeal to anyone aged seven and over.
USAGI YOJIMBO is on at
the Southwark Playhouse, Newington Causeway until Sunday, January 4.
Tickets cost £18 or
£16 concessions. Visit www.southwarkplayhouse.co.uk or call the box
office on 020 7407 0234.
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