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I have to admit that I didn’t know this story, but when South Hill Park asked me if I wanted to go along to see a production of it I didn’t hesitate. It’s Roald Dahl, what’s not to like? Plus when I had been to the Roald Dahl museum in Great Missenden recently I had seen the petrol pumps on the main road that featured in the story (which had to be pointed out to me as I was clueless) so I was intrigued.
South Hill Park is our local arts centre and one that I am ashamed to say I don’t go to often enough. Their programme for the coming months is huge, there is stuff going on to suit everybody. Everything from cinema to jazz to comedy. There is even a Bracknell’s Got Talent competition.
But this was an invite to Danny Champion of the World which is a joint production with the London Contemporary Theatre Company and runs at South Hill Park until Sunday but then continues a tour of the country. I urge you to go and see it.
Join Danny and his father William – the most exciting Dad a boy has ever had – as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Cheer on the pair as they take on a greedy businessman and thwart his plans to buy their land by poaching his game pheasants
The stage is very simple, the cast numbers just half a dozen and yet they bring to life all the sights and sounds of Hazel Wood, a school, Danny and his dad’s home, the petrol station and various motor vehicles
There is even audience participation. To such an extent that when some of us were detained after the interval and they had started without us all, they then stopped and restarted the second half with several ad libs telling us off. The second half had the entire audience on their feet to take part and everybody left with a huge smile on their faces.
If this production is coming to a town near you, I urge you go. And if it isn’t near you. Move house. It is suitable for all ages from 5+ and would make a lovely afternoon or evening of family fun.
Cast photos courtesy of South Hill Park.