Robin’s Winter Adventure at The Hawth Theatre Crawley Review
Robin’s Winter Adventure
The Hawth Theatre, Crawley
21 December 2014
Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
We spent the perfect winter’s afternoon at The Hawth Theatre in Crawley watching the children’s play Robin’s Winter Adventure. The production is by the Pied Piper Theatre Company which specialises in writing for young children and it’s billed as suitable for age 4 years up.
Although the scenery is simple and there are only three actors the whole story was magical from start to finish. It’s the story of Robin and his family and their move from a house in the country to a flat in London. None of the family actually wants to make the move but Robin’s father has lost his job and his mother can only find a job teaching in London. Robin’s mum and dad keep upbeat for Robin’s sake with some lovely tales of London and the excitement it brings. It is all brought to life with models of the main sights such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.
Robin however tries to forget the move as his main focus is the poetry competition in the school assembly.
The centrepiece of the show is a mechanically operated puppet robin who visits and inspires Robin in both his poetry and his move to London. In one scene where they are acting out one of Robins dreams, a puppet of Robin flies on the birds back across the London rooftops, it really is enchanting and the look on the children’s faces in the audience said it all.
The story seemed quite sad as change often is and I have to admit I had a tear in my eye a few times. However it is perfectly aimed at young children with the right amount of humour and music and also the right length of production at one hour long.
My son is only two and it certainly kept him captivated, which is no easy feat. The older children were completely mesmerised whenever I looked around the theatre especially when the robin was flying.
The show was held in The Studio which is a small room holding up to 146 spectators and was perfect for this event, anything bigger would have lost the intimacy of the play. The Hawth itself is easy to get to and has plenty of free parking right outside, a well stocked café, and easy access for the disabled.
Robin’s winter adventure is an absolutely fantastic show, captivating, mesmerising and a perfect introduction to the theatre for young children.
Rating: 5/5 
To see What’s On at The Hawth in Crawley visit www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk.
The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, RH10 6YZ | 01293 553636
