The timeless tale of the Ugly Duckling is given a thorough make-over in this adaptation, which was written as a commission from the Watermill Theatre in 1993 and has subsequently enjoyed a metamorphosis in numerous productions worldwide.

Its latest transformation is a real delight from the ‘ball pool’ duckpond and sloping oval decking, skilfully designed by Francis O’Connor, to Steven Dexter’s ability as director to work the band of actor-musicians not only in the round but also from ground to balcony level. The tiny set amazingly gives ample opportunity for surprises, such as the nesting box camouflage of the keyboards to the hatching of the young ducklings and the appearance of the bullfrog who surfaces from the pond. The ball pool itself gives constant entertainment for the young audience, who are thrilled by the errant blue and silvery white balls they can throw back onto the stage.

Mark Anderson’s oversized grey cable knit sweater and adolescent innocence create an appealing and sympathetic Ugly whose life-changing journey brings him into contact with the military geese (Alexander Evans and Allison Harding), a devilish tomcat (Philip Reed) and various other characters, including Claire Storey as the supercilious feline Queenie and Sioned Saunders as the female swan, Penny. Verity Quade is delightful as the nesting Ida and Simon Slater is her errant Drake and the hysterically funny Bullfrog.

Julia Watterson

The Stage - 3rd December 2007