Review: In the Winter Wood
A simple backdrop of a timber frame and a lone storyteller greeted us at the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon last Saturday. But she’s not just any storyteller. She’s Jan Blake, a legend and multi award winner in the story telling world.
It is hard to believe that in this cosy, intimate space, with its simple setting, that one woman could captivate an audience of wrigglers and snifflers. I’ve never seen such small children so mesmerised and enthralled by her.
We were given a blanket on arrival and made ourselves comfortable on the floor. Jan started her story about Pig and Goat who on discovering that they are being fattened up for the winter feast, escape into the woods. Along the way, they meet Goose, Hare and Cockerel who help them to build their home in the forest. Each night after a day’s work building, they sit down and tell each other stories.
Jan tells these stories with such enthusiasm, vigour and emotion drawing the kids in with questions, singing, chanting and drumming. This lady certainly knows how to hold a room even amongst the littlest of people.
She tells stories from as far as Africa and the kids and adults alike can’t help but join in with her.
My four and seven year old sons loved this play and what was their favourite story? The fat cat of course, but you’ll have to go and see it for yourself to find out why the cat was so fat!
If you haven’t visited the Polka Theatre, go. It’s a gorgeous theatre dedicated exclusively to children. There’s also a lovely café and play area at the back so you can easily spend hours here.
In the Winter Wood is running until 17th February.
