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It's the story of Wilbur the pig, the runt of
the litter. He's rescued from being killed by farmer's daughter
Fern Arable.
She rears him in the kitchen and when he gets too
big he is sent to Uncle Homer's farm where he once again faces the
chop so he can be turned into bacon and ham.
Norette Leahy as Charlotte |
It's in Uncle Homer's barn that Wilbur meets Charlotte,
the spider who vows to save his life. She writes magic words in
her web to make everyone think Wilbur is a miracle pig, so he won't
be butchered.
The other barnyard characters include the Goose,
the Old Sheep, and Templeton the rat, who all live up to their stereotypes
- especially Templeton the rat who is an obnoxious cockney, always
stealing food.
He even steals sweets from the audience as he's
chased round the auditorium by the farmer's wife while the farmer
chases Wilbur who has escaped.
It's a shame Norwich's Theatre Royal was not sold
out on the first night of the show as it's a real treat.
It relies on strong characters and great lines
like 'Yippeddy dee, it's rat pie for tea', 'freedom or the frying
pan' and 'perfect as a pig' - which are sure to become catch phrases
in homes across Norfolk.
Wilbur and the goose |
It's aimed at children above five but the action
and wit of the script makes it attractive to older children too.
By the end, even the most self conscious
of pre-teens were clapping along to the music.
It's set in America - all the humans have American
accents and all the animals UK regional accents - which takes a
little while to tune your ear to.
If there is a criticism it's that Wilbur the pig
has an accent which is so squeaky, oinky and cute, it takes time
to feel sympathy for him.
But once his relationship with Charlotte builds,
you are there with him as she tries to save him from becoming the
farmer's lunch.
Charlotte is enigmatic and somehow separate from
the other farmyard animals. Her ideas of friendship, support and
devotion above all else shine out - as does her wonderful costume
which is at the same time sparkly and spidery but not scary.
The show is supported by a great programme full
of wacky spidery and friendship quizzes, facts and jokes (where
do spiders get information from ? The web of course!).
It's a lot of fun, visually pleasing, easily followed
and guaranteed to enchant the youngsters - even though it might
tempt them to turn vegetarian and never eat pork again !
Charlotte's Web is showing at
Norwich's Theatre Royal until Saturday 5 June, 2004.
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