Life of Pi at New Victoria Theatre, Woking Review

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

Reviewed by Kelly Victoria

It was a real pleasure to visit the New Victoria Theatre in Woking last night to watch the touring production of Life of Pi.  As always, the theatre provides a super welcoming atmosphere.

Like most people, I’d heard of the book and film but had not experienced them first hand.  So, had no preconceived ideas about how the stage adaptation would work or what to expect.  Having done my research, I did find out that it’s been the recipient of many awards including three Tony’s and five Olivier’s.

What I didn’t know, was just how exceptional this show really would be.

From the moment the show starts, you are fully immersed and gripped to the storyline.

You are taken through the story of Pi (Divesh Subaskaran) a teenage boy who lives in the botanical gardens in India and whose parents run a zoo.  Using the most sensational puppetry, you ever did see you are soon taken to a scene at the zoo which is a visual delight and introduces all of the animals living there, including zebra, giraffe, meerkats and more.

Pi is a gorgeous and endearing character with lots of charm and whom you grow to love through the show.  Pi is witty, smart and inquisitive.  So much so, that he spends much of his spare time exploring three different religions and their differing (and sometimes similar) beliefs with a questioning mind.

Unfortunately, political unrest sees Pi and his family relocate their beloved zoo to Canada on a cargo ship.  Life on the ship is hard and unsavoury.  Suddenly one night, a huge storm hits the ship and Pi finds himself stranded at sea on a lifeboat.

You are taken on a journey told by Pi from a hospital bed on how he survived 227 days at sea.  He recalls the tale of his time on the boat and how he had to survive alongside a Bengal tiger, who also survived the storm.  Without ruining too much of the storyline, Pi has real disdain for the tiger and in order to survive has to display his dominance.

But the story takes a turn, as the tale from the boat isn’t all it seems.  Reluctantly, Pi ends up revealing why his story is what it is and you come to realise the horrendous experience that Pi has had to go through, in order to survive his journey at sea and live to tell the tale.

It’s hard for me to explain exactly how I felt watching this performance as there really aren’t enough words.  I can only describe it as picking up a book, that you literally can’t put down as you are so gripped and actually feel like you are living alongside the characters.  Only this wasn’t a book, but something I was experiencing through the stage – with my eyes.  This play is exceptional!

The audience audibly gasped and reacted to the play throughout as they are taken through the story.

The scenery designed by Tim Hatley is exquisite, realistic and immersive.  To accompany the sets, there is background music and sounds designed by Carolyn Downing, that transport you right into the location of the scene.  In particular, I loved the scenes set in the Indian market where the most gentle and authentic Indian style music plays subtly in the background.

This show, wouldn’t be anything though without the incredible puppets designed by Finn Caldwell, Nick Barnes and their puppeteers.  The puppets are beautifully made and are bought alive by the insanely talented cast of puppeteers who give them real heart and character.  The smallest of movements and finest details of each animals’ behaviours and characteristics are displayed throughout.  This is done through the sheer artistry demonstrated on stage by every single puppeteer, whom despite being on the stage, you barely noticed were there.

Now to talk about Divesh Subaskaran who played Pi.  Divesh never left the stage throughout the entire play and his performance was faultless from start to finish.  The endurance to do this has to be applauded.  Pi was portrayed as a loveable character whom you grow to love throughout, for his witty, inquisitive and kind nature. Pi’s story was portrayed perfectly with emotion, grit, wit and determination.  My understanding is that this is Divesh’s professional debut, let me tell you that this has to be just the start for this wonderful actor.

If like me you’re unsure and think that this is just a play about a boy on a boat with a tiger, please don’t! You HAVE to get tickets to watch this very special performance.  I truly can’t stop thinking about it and this play will stay with me for a very long time.

You can see Life of Pi at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking from 2nd to 7th October.

Rating: 5/5

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/life-of-pi/new-victoria-theatre/