Michael Francis Willoughby in Elohgulp. Written and directed by Chris Thompson. Puppetry director Catherine Roach. Jigsaw Theatre Company. Courtyard Theatre, Canberra Theatre Centre. Until October 12. Bookings 6275 2700, or canberratheatrecentre.com.au
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Jigsaw's new show, Michael Francis Willoughby in Elohgulp, begins with a mini-adventure. We have to enter Elohgulp (read the word backwards) through a smallish, circular opening and follow a winding passage (adults have to bend down, children are fine) to reach the performing space. We enter a mysterious world. Lights festoon the ceiling and all kinds of weird shapes hang from it. The floor is strewn with a few scrappy objects. In one corner is a circular shape lit to resemble a watery surface. The fun begins.
The story is about Michael Francis Willoughby, played by Craig Alexander, who finds himself in the world at the bottom of drains. His arrival is somewhat of a surprise when it happens. Once there though he encounters the strange creatures that inhabit Elohgulp: the Drits, remarkable puppet machines that pick up messy things; the Assupods, strange drooping things that hang from the ceiling and light up when they talk; and the scary Gludse thing, whom we don't actually meet until near the end of the play, although we hear all about him as the story progresses.
Michael Francis Willoughby confronts all that he encounters in Elohgulp before he finds his way back home. Just how he returns home is also a surprise.
That watery pond in the corner finally comes into its own.
Behind the obvious storyline is a play about doing the right thing ecologically speaking, facing up to one's fears, and being responsible for one's actions. However, these serious issues are dealt with in a thoroughly entertaining way.
The Drits are fascinating and adults in the audience could (I did) spend a lot of time looking at the items from which they were made and marvelling at the skill of the puppet makers.
The music, composed by John Shortis is suitably theatrical and bitty-bobby enough to match the odd collection of characters that make up Elohgulp.
Some pre-publicity suggested that the show was suitable for children aged five and upwards but my companion, aged 6½, got a little restless in parts and asked when it would finish. Such thoughts left him, however, when Michael Francis Willoughby and his bath duck were involved - a fine performance from Alexander.
At 75 minutes long (although some pre-publicity suggested differently) the show is perhaps a little long for younger children. But for children of upper-primary age, the play has lots to offer.
