REVIEW: The Borrowers - Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre

On Wednesday afternoon, the Grosvenor Park Open Air theatre was transformed into a place of magic and wonder. The Borrowers is another offering as part of the rep in celebration of the 10 year anniversary of the theatre. Adults and children alike were transported into a place of wonder and possibility. Through the powers of creative theatre design and innovative story line, the enthralled audience were changed in size so that they could see the world through the eyes of the miniature people called the Borrowers.

Based on the children's story by Mary Norton, adapted by Byrony Lavery, we were transported into a world where different families of little people fought for survival and encountered a number of death-defying situations beyond the safety of their previous home beneath the floorboards.

The pure joy of seeing things from a different perspective and the imaginative use of props made this performance a delight to watch for all age groups. Directed by Robert Shaw Cameron, the audience witnesses the recommissioning of everyday items and sees them put to good use by the Borrowers. "Borrowers don't steal! Except from human beans". It was amusing to observe the way that costumes and props had been created to reflect such items. Kudos to the production and design team. Expect enormous Jammy Dodgers, a giant matchbox housing a hilarious cricket amongst other items which fascinate. 

We meet a number of borrowers; Arietty, Pod, Homily Clock, Oliver Overmantle and Ronnie Rainpipe. There are a mix of strong characters who each bring something different to the table. The humour is at a level that is appropriate for all age ranges and equally as engaging. There are scenes which are completely hilarious and endearing as well as scenes of tension and anticipation. What strikes you about this production is the creativity, the excellent script and the skill of the cast.

Whitney Kehinde and Mitesh Soni were the perfect double act as Drudge and Trudge and their proficiency at creating mischief provided much hilarity throughout the performance. Sarah-Jane Potts played a magnificent Ronnie Rainpipe and wooed the audience with her Northern charm and independent feistiness. Her love interest alcoholic Oliver Overmantle was the star of the show in my eyes with his middle-classed entitlement and lack of awareness of anyone who was not a regular consumer of Gin and Tonic from Marks and Spencer's.

This is a fun show and  the intimate setting lends itself to audience participation and engagement. If the weather is on your side, that's an added bonus.

PR Rating 4 stars.

Play runs until 25th August and is two hours in duration including an interval.

Tickets can be purchased here