The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Minerva Theatre, Chichester
Christmas 2024
What a great way to start the build-up to Christmas, and potentially a life long love of live theatre, than with the joyful hit musical The Three Billy Goats Gruff aimed at 3-7 year olds.
This production follows a successful run at London’s Unicorn Theatre last Easter, and where it will return once more in late January to mid-February. Collabrating partners George Stiles (music) and Anthony Drewe (book and lyrics) passion is evident in this thrilling and cheerful drama.
Engaging with the youngsters right from the very start the hideous troll captures the attention of the young audience as they are led on an exciting journey to pastures new. The wayward goats Big, Middle and Baby are starving but in order to reach the lush pastures they see in the distance involves crossing the bridge with an evil troll living beneath it! Little Bo Peep’s sister Little Bo-Frilly defies her father’s instructions and leads the goats to the rickety bridge …….
Directed by Chichester’s recently appointed Artistic Director Justin Audibert (previously Artistic Director at London’s Unicorn Theatre) his energetic and enthusiastic creativity shines throughout this joyous story. A simple and attractive set, outlined in neon strips, excellent choreography, a varied musical score and colourful costumes, ensure this tale is superbly brought to life. Added to this, polished performances from the cast guarantee the assorted spectators made up of school groups, young Mums, grandparents and of course young children (many with Santa hats and Christmas jumpers) come away uplifted and hopefully having understood the message portrayed of working together and confronting your fears.
We eagerly await to see what Justin unveils for 2024, his first season at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Our Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Jill Lawrie
This production has now closed, for current Chichester productions click here