THE PLOTTERS OF CABBAGE PATCH CORNER

Brentwood Theatre Company

20.12.10

This was David Wood's earliest original play, and first saw the light forty years ago. It does seem somewhat dated now, with its ecological message and wordy dialogue.

But Ray Howes' colourful production made it an entertaining couple of hours, giving his team of eight actors plenty of chances to shine – a lovely variety of voices - and his young audience opportunities to interact with the insects and ape the Big Ones [voiced by Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin].

Mark Middleton won us over as the sleepy glow worm, and Charley Durrant – first time at Brentwood – was a great Bumble Bee. Katie-Elizabeth Allgood – Baby Fox two years ago - was a moody, mischievous Maggot, with Jenanne Redman as her Greenfly mother. The beautiful people included Sarah Goodstone as the posh Ladybird, and Toby W Davis as the military Red Admiral.

Michael Francis was Slug, a telling contrast with Adrian Palmer's wonderful workaholic Ant.

The musical director was Ian Southgate, making the most of the varied styles. “Insecticide”, a protest song, worked well, as did Let Our Garden Grow, which could have passed for Bernstein.

The corner setting saw the tiniest audience members dwarfed by the toadstool, the plant pot and the compost heap, and the insects all wore the most gorgeous frocks [by Joy Dunn], especially stunning was Ladybird's red and black number …