REVIEW | George's Marvellous Medicine, Curve Theatre
George's Marvellous Medicine
Curve Theatre, Leicester ★★★★
George's Marvellous Medicine is the latest Roald Dahl story being given the Made At Curve treatment this year. This exciting new production is the seventh adaptation of a Dahl novel on the Curve stage as well as throughout other venues in the UK and beyond, one of these previous productions was The Twits last Christmas. Adapted for the stage by David Wood, this whacky story celebrates the power of the imagination and a young hero's triumph over his selfish and bossy Grandma. George's Marvellous Medicine was published back in 1981. The story follows George (Preston Nyman) who creates a specially concocted medicine to get his own back on the selfish ways of his Grandma when she comes to stay.
The 1 hour 30-minute production is the perfect length for the younger audience to be transfixed to the story as well as the visuals available for them to enjoy. The Set Design courtesy of Morgan Large for the production was gorgeous, the detail which has gone into every section of the set was really well thought out. Particularly the remote-controlled chicken. The stage is as animated as the five cast members to capture the essence of magic that Roald Dahl has captured in his books for many years.
The cast is a real treat of extravagance and animation in bringing the Roald Dahl characters to life. Preston Nyman leads the small cast as the title role of George. He's quick to draw in the attention of the young cast, excitement and curiosity overwhelm him as he creates his weird and wonderful medicine. He really enjoys engaging with the audience. George's parents played by Justin Wilman and Catherine Morris add a flavor of bonkers to the already whacky show.
Lisa Howard is superb as the evil Grandma, constantly lapping up the opportunity to make the audience laugh out loud. Chandni Mistry makes a delightful and hilarious Chicken. The entire cast is small but incredibly powerful in entertaining the younger audience throughout. The distinctive elements of live music and special effects throughout really emphasized the entire production. Composer Tasha Taylor-Johnson gave the soundtrack to the production a really funky, upbeat feel that complimented the piece perfectly.
This exciting new production of George's Marvellous Medicine is definitely a show for the entire family to enjoy over the festive period. The co-production with Rose Theatre Kingston will be a great way of bringing younger people into the theatre.
Individually it wasn't my favourite Roald Dahl stage adaptation but it definitely has the potential to appeal and be more enjoyed by a family audience.
Photography credit - Manuel Harlan
*Complimentary ticket in return for an honest review.