Jumping Mouse: A Puppet Show by Unpacked
The Hive music and media centre, Shrewsbury – 27/10/10

On the 27th of October 2010, “Unpacked” brought it’s brilliant puppet show “Jumping Mouse” to The Hive. When I say puppet show, it was really more of a pantomime that involved a few puppets and some simple yet great looking costumes. The show had lots of props such as walking sticks, a tyre, several ladders, but the way these props were used was so clever and creative and actually added to the experience as you watched the entire set change into something completely new.

The story followed a small mouse called 147b (just a number) and her trip from 2nd bus through the marshlands and over mountains to discover the source of the rumbling in her ears, the rumbling that no other mouse could hear. The characters were hilarious, the use of simple props and the absolutely brilliant acting from the cast made every character come to life, from the Old Bison to the mysterious and dreaded Spots.

The age rating was for everyone from the age of five. Personally, I think this would have been even more enjoyable for children around the age of 10, as the presentation was very child friendly but the story was more grown up, talking about finding your own path for life and you can achieve anything, something ten year olds could possibly understand and also completely enjoy.

Overall, the show was enjoyable, VERY enjoyable, and if you have any young kids, I would suggest that if this show is ever performed again you should take your kids to see this show just as an excuse to go in and watch it yourself. This show is 100% worth your money to go and experience it for yourself!

By Elliott Edwards – October 2010