Life Of Pi At Birmingham Hippodrome, Review

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

Reviewed by Alexander Wilde

Adapted from Yann Martel’s beloved novel, ‘Life of Pi’ sets sail on its inaugural UK Tour; mesmerising audiences with its poignant narrative and stunning visual spectacle.  Transporting theatre goers into the extraordinary world of Pi Patel, a young Indian boy who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, accompanied only by a fearsome tiger named Richard Parker.

I must admit the cultural phenomenon of the ‘Life of Pi’ passed me by.  Published in 2001, the book won critical claim and multiple prestigious awards, including the ‘Man Booker Prize’.  Then, a decade later, acclaimed director Ang Lee, adapted it into a four-time Oscar winning film, which delighted audiences globally.  The theatrical adaptation is relatively modern; premiering in Sheffield in 2019. Once again critically lauded, the play transferred to the West End and Broadway, winning multiple ‘Olivier’ and ‘Tony’ Awards respectively.

Upon being invited to review the production, I checked out a copy of the novel from my local library with the intention to read it before the show.  However, after reading the reviewer quotes and author’s note, which precede the story, I stopped. It sounded like I was in for a phenomenal experience and so I decided to enjoy the play without any preconceived notions or expectations of this unique journey.

Central to the production’s success is its innovative use of staging, visual and sound effects.  The set, appearing simple, is a marvel of technicality and versatility: transforming seamlessly from a Zoo in India to a bustling market, to a sparse Mexican hospital, and from the deck of a cargo ship to the vast expanse of the ocean with the survivors bereft on a lifeboat.  Using projection mapping and clever lighting techniques, the stage comes alive with swirling seas, starlit skies, and towering waves, immersing the audience in Pi’s awe-inspiring surroundings.

But it’s not just the technical wizardry that captivates; it’s the humanity at the heart of the story.  At its core, this is a deeply personal tale of resilience and hope, and it’s a testament to the strength of Divesh Subaskaran’s performance that Pi’s journey feels so profoundly real.  Unbelievably, this is Divesh’s professional debut.  More akin to the talents of a seasoned actor, he projects a mixture of innocence, humour, and determination, embodying the character of Pi, and inviting the audience to share in his triumphs and tribulations as he grapples with the ultimate questions of faith, identity, trauma, and the nature of existence.

Alongside the lead’s stellar performance, the supporting cast of ‘Life of Pi’ delivers equally impressive portrayals, adding depth and richness to the production.  Each member of the ensemble brings a unique energy and authenticity to their roles, contributing to the immersive experience of Pi’s journey.  Noteworthy performances include Pi’s parents, played by Goldy Notay, whose portrayal of Amma brings a sense of warmth and humanity to the narrative, and Ralph Birtwell as his father, whose nuanced performance adds layers of complexity.  Together, the ensemble cast elevates the production.

Of course, Pi is not alone on his journey, and much of the production’s emotional weight comes from the relationship between Pi and Richard Parker, the Bengal tiger who is both adversary and companion.  Through the artistry of puppetry and physical performance, Richard Parker is brought to life in breath taking detail, his movements and expressions conveying a depth of emotion that is as haunting as it is mesmerizing.  However, it’s not just the tiger who captures the audience’s imagination; the entire menagerie of animals encountered by Pi during his voyage is brought to vivid life through a combination of puppetry, movement, and sound.  From the maternal presence of the orangutan to the graceful movements of the zebra and the predatory nature of the hyena, each creature is rendered with remarkable authenticity.  Even the smaller inhabitants of the ocean, such as the schools of fish and the gentle sea turtle, are portrayed with exquisite attention to detail, their movements choreographed to perfection.  The skilled puppeteers must be commended for their ability to convey a range of anthropomorphic qualities in the animals, imbuing them with distinct personalities and emotions that resonate with the audience.  It’s a testament to the skill and dedication of the production team that these diverse creatures can evoke such a range of emotions, from awe and wonder to empathy and compassion, to terror – adding depth and texture to Pi’s extraordinary journey.

At its core, the story is about the power of storytelling itself, and how we use narrative to make sense of our lives and find meaning in the face of adversity.  It’s a message that feels particularly relevant in today’s world, where the lines between fact and fiction are increasingly blurred, and the need for empathy, understanding, and perhaps faith (in mankind), has never been greater.

As I embarked on this theatrical journey, I made a conscious decision to immerse myself in the production without the preconceived notions or expectations garnered from the novel.  While this approach allowed me to appreciate the play on its own merits, I couldn’t help but wonder if experiencing the production as a supplement to having read the novel would have enriched my experience even further.  Having shared this reflection with my companion for the evening, I was told the adaptation undoubtedly brings Martel’s words to life in a mesmerizing manner.  Yet there’s an undeniable depth and complexity to the novel that could enhance one’s understanding and appreciation of the story.

Overall, this version emerges as a triumph of storytelling and stagecraft, which captivated the audience!  With its stunning visuals, powerhouse performances, astonishing puppetry, and profound thematic depth, it is a production that transcends the boundaries of the stage, inviting audiences to ponder life’s deepest mysteries long after they have left the theatre.

Whether you’re a fan of the novel or simply looking for an unforgettable theatrical experience, ‘Life of Pi’ is a wonderous production and not to be missed!

Four superlative stars!
Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £25.
On Stage until 17th February 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/life-of-pi/ or call the box office on
0844 338 5000
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
Tour information: https://lifeofpionstage.com/

The splendorous Birmingham Hippodrome stands within a clean, well-lit, and popular cultural heart of the city.  The historic area and venue has benefited from extensive regeneration and considered transport links over the last two decades.  The Theatre is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for a great day or night out in the bustling city.  Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful. The Bullring and Grand Central train station are a short walk away.

The main foyer is modern and spacious, leading to all accessible levels.  We were greeted warmly on entering and felt a buzz in the air.  We found the bars/concession stands to be well manned, stocked with a wide range of hot/cold drinks and treats; all of standard prices for theatres.  I have sat in both stall and dress circle seats; both are very comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.