First of all, when I heard the play was called Faeries, I had a picture in my mind of elegant ballerinas prancing around. When I heard it was going to take place in the Royal Opera house, those ballerinas were rewarded with a bunch of booming yet graceful opera singers. But no. This was different (not that that wouldn’t be good, don’t get me wrong, it just wouldn’t be my cup of tea).
This was a staggering performance, and I will highlight the highlights. The most curious looking puppets moved around the stage so realistically and exquisitely it made me shiver. The villain looked, acted and manoeuvred in an evil ruthless way. The faeries pranced and flew - they were dainty and light in the most accurate, convincing manner.
The troll looked as if he trailed his feet around because they were too heavy! Looked as if he lolled around in his well. But really he was a different character; adamant and strong.
Now I’ve reached the music. Well what can I say? I play the piano myself and there was also a piano played in this, along with a clarinet. It was definitely worth having the music, it went completely with all the scenes, moving you at times, sending shivers up your spine. The two musicians certainly deserved the applause they received at the end.
I’ll tell you about the dancing and acting now. I’m really interested in dance and acting myself so I paid close attention. Both swings (understudies) came from my old ballet school. In between the scenes a group of actors would tell you about what was going on. You could hear them projecting their voices so clearly. As for the dance, it was spectacular; every detail was a tremendous leap or a mind-blowing turn as the actors weaved in and out of everything and everyone.
I haven’t explained the characters yet! Well the main character, a young black boy called Johnie, was an astonishing dancer and actor. He took it slowly and you could believe he was doing whatever he was supposed to be doing. You could believe he was feeling whatever was supposed to be feeling. I could see he had really got into the character.
I’ll tell you about Anack next. She was the first faerie Johnie met. She was a puppet with a bald head and shabby frayed dress. Her wings were torn and she could hardly fly. The voice was done by one of the people holding her and for me the voices were a highlight. She sounded like an excitable four year old. It was so convincing!
Drone was a troll who lived in a well; again he too was a puppet. Green and warty, with rolling fat oozing between his top and shorts. He was a heroic, courageous troll and fought to the death in the play.
Now we come to the foul, evil Dolour. He had a creepy, winding body. A voice of sin that sounded hard and cold like rock. He turned many lives upside down and he had to be put to an end. I’m sure he would have spooked many people.
Of course there are more characters but you’ll find out about them.
The effects, lighting and set were miraculous. The set - a few trees, a little hut and the London wartime skyline - stayed the same the whole time but represented different places. Sound effects of bombs and air raids were ever so realistic! And in the beginning as you came in there was smoke pouring out of machines on the ceiling and filling the room.
I won’t say anything about the story because you might watch it yourself. So I’ll only tell you how startlingly impressive it was. If you do see it be prepared for a mind-boggling performance; because it will be.
Meena Rose Sears, age 10
Meena saw Faeries on 16th December 2010, Linbury Studio, Royal Opera House
