Transferring classic childrens’ literature from the page to the stage is often frought with difficulties, but London Contemporary Theatre’s production of Danny the Champion of the World shows just how it should be done.
The talented cast of six deliver a show that is pitched at just the right level so as to be entertaining without being patronising, clever without being too complicated and fun without being too crazy.
The story follows the journey of a young boy, Danny, and his father William, who Danny thinks is the most exciting Dad a boy has ever had. The pair live in a caravan fixing cars for a living, although his Dad has a secret hobby of partaking in poaching pheasants. When Victor Hazell, a local unscrupulous businessman, wants to take over the land their garage is on trouble ensues, but Danny rises to the occasion, and him and his Dad come up with a most exciting plan to win the day.
Michael Lyle takes on the role of Danny and, despite his age, manages to play the young boy very convincingly, mixing curiosity, innocence and a desire to do what’s right in equal measures. During the times when he addresses the audience directly, and particularly in his scenes towards the end of the show, he packs in all the emotion that he can, and keeps the audience totally gripped.
Taking the lead adult role is Alex Griffin-Griffiths who plays Danny’s father, William. Still mourning the passing of Danny’s mother, nine years ago, he works hard to take care of Danny the best way that he can – a sentiment that struck a chord with many of the parents in the audience and, once again, was played out to perfection.
The other four members of the cast, Geri Allen, Casy Jay Andrews, Robert Oliver and John Last play the rest of the multiple parts in the show, with costume changes coming thick and fast and, as if that is not difficult enough, they also play all the music that links the scenes throughout the show and provide the sound effects that help to enhance the atmosphere.
Seeing a production where all of the cast work so tremendously hard is always a joy, but to know that they are working so hard for a young audience, that is all too often short-changed by other theatre companies, makes the pleasure even greater.
Four Stars ****