June 30, 2013
This three woman production is set in a shoe shop, where old and battered shoes are sold alongside the new and shiny, valued as much for their stories as how they look. The shop provides the backdrop for a world of stories: the impatient boy who couldn't resist putting on the slippers he's told not to touch; the cowboy who forever gallops across the sky and a re-telling of the emperor's new, er, shoes!
The play unfolds through dance, song and even a velcro instrumental (yes, really!) with a lot of audience interaction. Adults might enjoy (or not) the appearance of Salt n Pepa, Billy Ray Cyrus and the Blue Danube, amongst other tracks.
The performers, from the Cscape Dance Company, are superb, bringing to life a host of characters with the most simple of props and costume changes.It's advertised as suitable for the whole family and the fact that the audience of all ages engaged with the action backs that up. Some of the audience participation was a bit scary for my shy 3 year old, but the group of older children (7ish?) sitting on the cushions thoughtfully provided at the front had a hoot.
The 3 year old's verdict was good though. "I liked the dancing best and the shoes.." It's not just stay and play with this show - it's get up and dance and play dress up with the many many pairs of shoes provided!Altogether good fun, If the Shoe Fits is great for encouraging story telling and imaginative play.