All Creatures Great and Small, King’s Theatre Edinburgh Review
All Creatures Great and Small
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
16-21 June 2014
Reviewed by Gemma Gough
The ever-popular book by James Herriot has been adapted for the stage by Simon Stallworthy. There are of course a string of books and a hit TV series following the trials and tribulations of Herriot’s life as a vet in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.
The cast of just eight is impressive – Corrie’s Oliver Mellor plays Herriot himself and he is joined by Mark Curry, Clare Buckfield, Susan Penhaligon, Rob Maloney, Michael Palmer, Harriett Hare and Lee Latchford-Evans of pop group Steps.
The set is lovely and very simply manages to capture the rolling hills of the Dales and the farm buildings where the vet’s work takes place. I did wonder how the farm animals would be portrayed on stage but all the action takes place behind a barn door with some clever lighting and sound effects.
The play tells the story of a young James Herriot, newly qualified and looking for work. We follow him as he settles in to working life with the Farnon brothers. We see him proving himself as an excellent and caring vet and watch his relationship with Helen blossom from awkward beginnings. The character of Mrs Pumphrey adds a little comedy with her pampered pooch and the relationship between the Farnon brothers is an interesting one.
This is an enjoyable play, well written and capturing the feel of the era and the location perfectly, although perhaps just a little too long for me.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £14 to £29.50 (plus 75p online booking fee).
All Creatures Great and Small is at the King’s Theatre, Edinburgh until 21 June 2014. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000
