Reviewed by Ann Durrell
Carrot Productions are bringing Wallace & Gromit to theatre and concert halls across the country this spring with their Musical Marvels and it’s well worth a trip out. Enter the Picture House Orchestra to the stage, all dressed up as characters or symbols of Wallace & Gromit. We spotted Shaun the Sheep and Gromit in the strings section, Wallace in his different outfits was scattered across the horns and percussion, we also spotted Wendolene and Lady Tottington. It kept me and my 4-year-old busy spotting all of the characters!
The show is set over to halves and is presented by Matthew Sharp interacting with Wallace & Gromit on the big screen. Matthew and the orchestra are preparing for the grande debut of Wallace’s ‘Concerto in Ee Lad’. Of course, in true Wallace style things do not go so smooth, and after a terrible disaster Poochini (Gromit) saves the day with his own double Concerto for Cello and Dog. Through the course of the story the orchestra treat us to superb performances of classics along with Bohiemium Rhapsody. I thought that the delivery of ‘don’t you worry bout a thing’ which introduced the sections of the orchestra to the audience was a really nice way to introduce children to youngsters. There are lots of jokes appealing to all ages and Matthew Sharpe does a really good job of interacting with the audience. The orchestra themselves seemed to really be enjoying it and were smiling throughout.
After the break we were treated to a screening of ‘Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers’ with the soundtrack performed by the orchestra live on stage. It really was very special and my little boy was fixed to the stage the entire time, we all enjoyed ourselves very much.
Rating: 5/5
Wallace & Gromit’s Musical Marvels is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit www.carrotproductions.com.
For other shows at The Lowry in Manchester visit www.thelowry.com or call the box office on 0843 208 6000.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | 0843 208 6000
