Baby bunnies, a beastly badger and fox named Tod …

Yesterday evening we went along to the Avenue Theatre where the Red Rose Chain were performing their latest production, The Tale of Mr Tod. As someone slightly mature in years I was instantly taken back to my childhood, and delighted in the style of production that accurately recreated a time in my life where sheets were strewn across my mother’s dining room furniture and which were instantly transformed into a world of make-believe. Hours of fun were had in this magical world as a child, and memories of this wonderful carefree time are evoked when I watched this amazingly talented actors and this sensitively (and funny) production.

The theatre was packed, and the audience a good mix of adults, couples, and families with younger children. We went along with two students from Ipswich Academy, Grace Dersley and Emma Daniels, as we were keen to get a younger person’s perspective on the performance. Here’s what Grace and Emma had to say:

“The Tale of Mr Tod” is the first Christmas show to be performed at The Avenue Theatre, Red Rose Chain’s brand new venue for 2015. The opening season here boasted some brilliant plays such as Progress, The Green Children and the Youth Theatre’s performance of The Red Shoes. The theatre just goes to prove that there is more to Red Rose Chain than Theatre in the Forest; the space is adaptable to any kind of performance.

The posters for Mr Tod shout “This show is NOT just for kids!” and they’d be right! The range of references and jokes used in the show range all the way from Dam Busters and Star Wars to Midsomer Murders and Food Network so the show definitely appeals to all age groups.

There were only three actors in the entire performance – Rachael McCormick, Kirsty Thorpe, Laurence Russell. We feel that they really brought the performance to life through some simple changes in costume and some incredible accents! We also enjoyed the occasional song and dance routines which were mostly acapella.

There was even some pantomime-style audience interaction in the show – including an “It’s Behind You!” routine initiated by an exuberant child in the front row – proving that the audience is just as much a part of the play as the actors.

Overall, we think The Tale of Mr Tod is a hilarious retelling of a classic Beatrix Potter tale, suitable for all the family and certainly got us in the Christmas spirit. We recommend this to families, adults and couples - but if you take your children, be prepared to lose your net curtains when you get home … you’ll have to go along to find out what we mean!

By Grace Dersley & Emma Daniels, Ipswich Academy

If you have not been to see a production at the Avenue (and for those of you who have) make a date in your diary to see Mr Todd. Running until 3rd January, the show time (including the interval) is 90 minutes so it’s perfect for children, and the evening performances conclude at 9pm - so no too late for younger children either. To find out more and to book your tickets click here.