Guess How Much I Love You
The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre – Mon 2 – Wed 4 Aug 2010
Anyone who has delighted in reading the Sam McBratney children’s book “Guess How Much I Love You” to sleepy, rosy faced toddlers cannot help but be enchanted by this charming romp through the seasons with Lucy and her friends Little Nutbrown Hare and Big Nutbrown Hare.
The set and costumes do justice to the lovely illustrations of Anita Jeram and many beautiful and nostalgic vignettes are created throughout this delightful piece of story telling.
Emily Altneu is an enthusiastic and engaging narrator who skilfully tells her tales of the seasons with the aid of seamless puppetry, expression and movement. Abbey Norman plays a delightful Little Nutbrown Hare to Paul Socketts gently paternal Big Nutbrown Hare.
I found myself totally entranced by this endearing piece of theatre, which I feel was best suited for a toddling age 2-4 year old audience and a sentimental parent like myself. How then would it fare under the critique of my robust, tomboy 6-year old and somewhat serious nearly nine-year-old?
“When I walked into the room (theatre) and I saw the setting, I was amazed, it was just like the illustration in the book.
Great costumes, lovely hopping and singing, fantastic animals, brilliant acting!
When I looked around, all the children and adults were enjoying it. It was very funny, good dance moves and the night setting was lovely.” – Ymogen, aged nearly nine.
“I liked the hide and seek best” – Anya, aged 6, a reviewer of few words.
The performance lasted just short of an hour, which is more than a challenge to keep little minds engaged, and I feel that SH Productions Ltd achieved this with ease.
As for how you get an entire audience to play hide and seek? Well, I suggest you hop along to this utterly enchanting piece.