Posted by PeterW on March 05, 2012 at 02:20:02 user PeterW.
Took the family to see the musical/stage show of Swallows and Amazons at Malvern in Worcestershire on Saturday night. Having read some of the previous concerns on TarBoard (which I won't dwell on here), I was pre-warned but set out with a positive attitude to enjoy it as family entaertainment. And enjoy it we did. I thought it was excellent, highly imaginative in having some of the cast double-up as the on-stage musicians and stage-hands. We particularly liked the "view through the telescope"!
OK, it deviated from the story, in some places significantly, but to an extent I can see why, though I was a little suprised at the somewhat more intense arguing between the children than came across in the book. I guess that is a sign of the times. A few contemporary language changes also. Captain Flint even had the slight lisp Ronald Fraser had in the film (I think the actor must have been watching too much television)! I don't think I would remember any of the tunes though.
There were many children in the audience, and there was audience participation. It was hugely fun, a little scarey at times (for the youngsters!) and a brilliant way to get the children of today interested in getting into AR.
If you are happy to accept the above points, I recommend that you go and see it and have a great evening out.