Tortoise & the Hare at the Assembly Hall Theatre Review
Tortoise & the Hare
Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
25 March 2016
Reviewed by Amanda Hayes
This afternoon we set off for the 2pm performance of the Tortoise & the Hare at the Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall, we had a good idea of what to expect storyline wise as we had read the book at home many times. What we hadn’t ever been to see before was a ballet aimed at children and wondered how the book would be interpreted in dance. The show is performed beautifully by the Northern Ballet Company with a small but wonderfully dressed cast of dancers.
We were hoping that the story would be like the famous Aesop fable and we weren’t disappointed, it was exactly as I remembered as a child. Tortoise, slow steady and determined, Hare very competitive and thinking he can win without putting any effort in. The scenery is quickly changed throughout the story showing various stages of the race and the animals and insects that they meet along the way, the playful squirrel, beautiful butterfly and the bumble bee with her glorious honey. Although my son was initially disappointed that the characters weren’t speaking he soon got into the performance and the dance told the story easily without words. He particularly enjoyed the bunnies with their tails bobbing as they danced.
The website states that this show is suitable for young children and the audience was packed full of families from babies up to around 10 years old. As the performance is short at 40 minutes with no interval it’s not too long for even the youngest child and I felt it was just the right length for my 3 year old. Tunbridge Wells Theatre is great as you always get a good view wherever you are; even on the flat area where we were seated smaller children could still see.
The acoustics as always are excellent at Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall and the ballet is complimented by a small orchestra giving added depth to the performance. We all thoroughly enjoyed the ballet and wouldn’t hesitate to see another child friendly show in the future, especially as the length was suitable for all.
It’s a pleasure to watch anything at Tunbridge Wells, the staff are prompt and courteous, and the venue clean and tidy with plenty of pushchair parking. It is also a very easy place to visit as the multi storey car park is right next door for straight forward parking.
Tortoise & the Hare is running across the country so if you have ballet fans in your family, or just want a fun trip out go ahead and try it at a venue near you, you won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 5/5 
Northern Ballet’s Tortoise & the Hare is currently on tour around the UK, for more information, tour dates or to book tickets at a venue near you visit www.northernballet.com/tortoise-and-the-hare.
For other shows at the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk.
Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Rd, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU | 01892 530613
