The Man Who Wanted To Be A Penguin, At The Waterside Plaza Sale, Review

Reviewed by H Chan

What an intriguing name for a Festive show. So different from the usual pantomime titles at this time of year. As soon as I told my son the title to the show we were invited to see, he was hooked. On the run up, he was full of questions which of course only the show would be able to answer.

So, on a busy Saturday morning, I took my eldest who is 13 and my youngest, Mr 7, to watch the show. With not knowing the area and knowing it would be busy with Christmas shoppers, I was happy to find a gated and secure car park just across the canal, literally two minutes walk away. It was signposted well and really easy to find the venue, sat over-looking the water. We were greeted by delightful and friendly staff, who guided us into the café area to wait for the show to begin. Whilst waiting, we could purchase a drink, take some photos in front of cute snowy scenes, or visit the gift shop. There is also a lovely hidden gem of a museum within the Waterside arts centre itself, featuring models of many children’s programs and films.

The Man who wanted to be a Penguin, follows the story of Man, played by Steve Salt. A lonely but energetic inventor who decides to become a penguin and head to Antarctica. All of the other characters in the show are played by Loretta Hope. Honestly, what did they have for breakfast and where can I buy some? The whole show was full of energy, magic and enthusiasm. My son absolutely loved it and has been talking about it since we left! We had to stop by the gift shop on our way out to purchase a copy of the How to speak Penguin guidebook, which to me, shows how much he enjoyed the theme.

The theatre was so child friendly, and I discovered that you could purchase cookies and milk to have whilst you watch, but, couldn’t see this information on the website. The performance we were lucky enough to review was a relaxed performance, which was perfect for my son who is neuro divergent, however I wouldn’t have even noticed that it was more relaxed as it was still so much fun. The lowered lights and effects didn’t take anything away from the story at all. There was also a lady signing the show but I could not see whether there would be another performance with BSL.

The show was put together by the incredibly talented Stuff and Nonsense company. Sets and props were made from recycled and around the home objects, and so cleverly used within the show! I just loved how the props and set all worked together so well. With only two performers, I was wondering how they’d be, but they were both brilliant. I loved Loretta’s fluid morphing from character to character without missing a beat, doing the voices (her performance as one of the penguins was just brilliant), such an incredible talent. As for Steve, what can I say, he’s a genius and we loved how he really got you to know and love his character within the first minute of the show. He reminded me of a young Lee Evans with his passion and energy.

The penguins were adorable, and I won’t give it away but again I was impressed by the clever use of props! The only thing I need to know is, does Man have a name? My son really wants to know!

Even though this show was perfect for younger children, (and we could tell how much they loved it by their interactions with the performers and their laugher) my eldest really enjoyed it too, telling me her favourite part was the coat opera, mine had to be the plane scene and meeting the explorer!

This magical show runs from Wed 30th November until Saturday 31st December. Tickets start from only £12 which is fantastic for a Christmas show.

You can find tickets here. If you have small children, you won’t be disappointed. There were no bad seats, you could see the stage well from all areas.

Rating: I have to give this show 5/5 stars! Everything about it is family friendly and fun! Perfect for the Festive season.