Farm Boy at Lichfield Garrick Theatre Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by L Burton

Being totally blown away by the story of War Horse, I was extremely interested to find out more about the only sequel that Michael Morpurgo had ever written for any one of his books. Walking into the studio at Lichfield Garrick, I knew that I had never been to a show quite like it before. With a running time of only 60 minutes, I was intrigued in what decent story could be portrayed in only one hour.

Nevertheless, we sat down and waited for the show to start. The only scene setting already visible, and only two cast members in the show, my expectations lowered further. But then the show started and the audience met Grandpa (Alan Booty) and the Grandson (Jonathan Houlston) and I soon realised that it was and had everything exactly that it needed to deliver a fantastically neat little production.

We had the opportunity to meet the director, Daniel Buckroyd, before the show started. Mr Buckroyd said that the first few evenings were heavily supported by adults, while predominantly it normally was a child heavy audience with lots of schools coming to see the show. I wasn’t sure if my three children would have enjoyed it as much, much to the two actors’ credits, there was a lot of talking and a lot of listening is an absolute necessity.

The two talented actors portrayed their parts brilliantly and like I said before, the entire duration of the hour is made up of this one scene and the two actors talking for the duration of the hour so I was blown away with how much they would need to remember for the whole show. The story focusses on the story of Grandpa (who’s own grandfather was the owner of Joey, the horse that went to war and was brought home after his owner followed him and had to buy him back at the end of the war where all horses were sent off to be slaughtered for meat) and his own grandson. They reminisce about their lives and that of their family members and tell stories of life on their farm. Both actors were fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed the show they delivered.

The set construction by Jamie Andrews was great with a full-sized old fashion tractor on the studio stage. Set and costume design and lightning design by Fi Russell and Barry Smith was faultless and only contributed to the success of the show.

Farm Boy will run at Lichfield Garrick until and included the 10th March. Tickets are £15 and can be purchased from here www.lichfieldgarrick.com. I rate this show as 4/5 – It wasn’t anything I thought it would be but I was still surprised by how much I enjoyed it. A fantastic feel good show for all the family although I would recommend it for an older audience just because of how much listening is required. We always enjoy visiting Lichfield Garrick as it’s close to home for us and very easily accessible with friendly and helpful staff.

https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/whats-on/drama/farm-boy/3237

Rating: 4/5