REVIEW: Skellig at Worthing Connaught Theatre

Following success with the Horrible Histories series, for example, the company are back with Skellig, an exciting production rewritten for the stage by the author himself, David Almond.

And innovative it is, indeed, with a unique set that moves and changes to suit and an ensemble staging, where timing is of the essence.

The production, at the Connaught Theatre until Saturday, November 14, opens with all of the cast on stage, some of them carrying instruments.

Much of the opening sequence involves them all speaking the same lines simultaneously, which may sound strange but it really works.

What follows is a wonderful story of escapism and hope, penned by the popular author who tells the story from the heart, as it incorporates many of the things that have affected his own life '“ including his mother's arthritis and the death of his sister when he was seven.

Dean Logan gives a wonderful slant to the main character, Michael, ensuring he is never too moody a teenager, despite all that seems to be going wrong in his life.

He is helped by Charlotte Sanderson as Mina, who remains upbeat and sparky all the way through.

To make the play work, the crucial element is Skellig, a mysterious creature that Michael finds in a derelict garage.

Here, Neal Foster plays the creature well, being suitably grumpy as he is continuously disturbed by the curious Michael.

The highlight is, of course, the unfurling of his wings, which is very cleverly done, giving him shimmering feathers on his back.

This is the only chance to catch Skellig in Sussex before its West End run. Don't miss it.

It is showing tomorrow (Thursday, November 12) at 10.30am & 1.30pm, Friday at 10.30am and 7pm, and Saturday at 2pm and 7pm.

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