Naughty Meg And The Christmas Elves Derby Live At The Museum On The Wardwick 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
A trio of elves have arrived at Derby Museum & Art Gallery to spread joy with the fun-filled family production of ‘Naughty Meg and the Christmas Elves’. Produced by and starring talent from Derbyshire’s award-winning theatre company Babbling Vagabonds (https://babblingvagabonds.co.uk), the unique tale is amusing audiences young and old throughout December as part of Derby’s festive offering.
It was a crisp day and the afternoon was full of festive cheer as families and friends were greeted warmly by the staff at the stunning Wardwick venue. A temporary stage and concessions stand had been erected for the small audience. Simple yet effective, creating a cosy space in which to enjoy the show, the single-set piece had seating on three sides.
In the town of Boiled, it’s an eggciting time on the poultry farm of Mr & Mrs Barnylegg; the clucky and loving couple are expecting their first child. Eagerly aided by flapping locals, they are preparing for their nest to grow.
Born in a storm, foreshadowing events to come, Meg arrives and life in the farmhouse, and town, is transformed. From baby bruiser to terrible tot, the audience watch as Meg’s mischief grows in childhood and her parents become gibbering wrecks. As they are harangued and harassed, the forementioned townsfolk retreat from being gleeful guardians to doing everything possible to avoid the girl’s troublesome antics.
On a fateful Christmas Eve, one family member gets an unforgivable roasting and Meg’s position at the top of Santa’s Naughty List is well and truly seared. Unsurprisingly, Santa does not visit that evening and Meg, determined to seek revenge, posts herself to the North Pole. Greeted by Christmas elves, things don’t go the way she expected…
For the exuberant cast of three, character and costume changers are simple yet whimsical – effectively utilising objects already on the stage, as well as audio and lighting effects. Clever and inventive prop pieces move the action between story settings.
Vitally, full of life and pantomime, the actors’ performances are a delight. Comedy (in all methods) is blended with heartfelt emotion throughout. The various characters bounce of each other in hilarity: the amorous baker Mrs Fennywhistle, straight from the ‘Carry On’ playbook, is a hoot in her interactions with the bumbling Vicar.
A lovely touch after the show, saw the cast (and puppets) mingling with the audience – providing interactions and photo opportunities. What a great way to further engage children with live theatre! Despite running slightly over its 1 hour and 15 minutes advertised time, due to the fun the actors were having, it was the perfect length for the youngest and fidgetiest audience members; my two-year old nephew’s attention was held throughout.
A wonderful celebration of this special season and a gift to be enjoyed with the whole family. Book now to find out if the elves can change Naughty Meg’s wicked ways in time for Christmas!
Rating: Four Cheeky Stars! 4/5
Tickets from £10.00
On stage until 30th December, book online https://www.derbylive.co.uk/whats-on/naughty-meg, or via the box office: 01332 255800.
Derby LIVE, Sales & Information Centre, Guildhall Theatre, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AE
Derby LIVE is part of Derby City Council, they present and produce an excellent and diverse programme of live performances, events, and festivals at a range of venues throughout the year. Their offering is innovative and inclusive, enriching the cultural offering of the city.
Accessible and free to visit, Derby Museum and Art Gallery is home to a fascinating range of nationally important collections, including the world’s largest collection of work by the 18th Century artist Joseph Wright of Derby.
https://derbymuseums.org/museum-and-art-gallery/
The Strand, Derby DE1 1BS
Visit https://www.festivederby.co.uk/ for more information, map and what’s on guide to learn more about Derby’s seasonal programme. Prices range from free and are dependent on the experience. For those that require booking, do so online or by visiting the dedicated Box Office in the Market Place or specific venues.
Rating: 4/5