Over the years, I've felt Keswick theatre audiences were sometimes a bit reluctant to join in.
The Lost Spells changed that. This joyous production had us clapping enthusiastically - led by an energetic woodpecker on a drum, laughing loudly - at a snoring red fox, and smiling throughout.
From the first haunting notes we were drawn into the musical tale adapted from the bestselling book by writer Robert Macfarlane and artist Jackie Morris.
The story was simple - and effective. About connecting with the natural world all around us which too often goes unacknowledged.
Miriam Nyarko played Jay, initially the girl with no name - a new girl in a new town, lonely, lost and without real roots.
Until she finds an intriguing book of spells that conjures up a wild world packed with colour, comedy, characters and masses of music.
Animals that she knew nothing about welcomed her into their world.
A loveable hare (Toby De Salis), stylish red fox (Alex Wingfield), friendly seal, jazzy jackdaw (Paula James) and noisy, fabulous woodpecker (Lucy Yates) became her new friends.
She plays conkers, tells the time by blowing on a dandelion, flies with the jackdaws, swims with the seals.
As Jay tentatively learns to let the wild world into her heart, she blossoms.
Miriam Nyarko sparkled as the youngster, interacting with different characters, learning and loving.
The hugely talented cast had fabulous singing voices. They casually played an array of instruments - sax, bass, drums and guitar - exuding so much energy and evoking all the sounds, smells, sights and tastes of nature.
Clever puppetry conjured up a powerful ocean.
It was a joyful production and lovely to see so many children enjoying it. One young lad in the audience had the most infectious hearty chuckle and I reckon deserved a free ice cream based on the entertainment he provided!
The Lost Spells is the perfect half-term production. It runs until Saturday, June 3.
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