The Velveteen Rabbit

The Velveteen Rabbit is somewhat of a stalwart for Spare Parts Puppet Theatre, but the latest incarnation feels particularly poignant given the current pandemic. The original book, which features a young child, very ill, was written in 1922, in the wake of the Spanish Flu Pandemic – although the child has scarlet fever, which probably harks to the British Scarlet Fever epidemic of Margery Williams’ childhood.

It wouldn’t be Spare Parts without a bit of puppet magic, and this show features “magic windows” which open to reveal a little bit of the Velveteen Rabbit’s world at a time, as well as performers who literally blend in with the wallpaper, a clever design by Zoe Atkinson. The puppets, constructed by Jiri Smitko, are a lovely blend of old and new, with the loveable rabbit somewhat reminiscent of William Nicholson’s original drawing, and the inclusion of new characters bringing us closer to present time. The sound design by Lee Buddle includes classical music, which both gives a timeless feel as well as a sense of gravitas.

Four performers work beautifully as a team, - we see the most of Bec Bradley, youthful and charming as the young boy, whose love makes the Velveteen Rabbit real, but Bec is supported beautifully by very able performances from Michael Barlow, Nick Pages-Oliver and Louis Spencer, creating multiple characters and moving seamlessly between them.

It is probably worth warning parents that this in many ways is a sad story (although closer to bitter-sweet than “cry all the way home”), although I believe that most 5- to 12-year-olds will enjoy and be touched by this gentle and beautiful performance.

A great school holiday treat and a lovely celebration of a century old story.

Kimberley Shaw