Someone not very wise once said that life is like a box of chocolates. But according to a cracking show I watched at the weekend, it’s those slippery yellow fruit you want to watch out for.
Andy and Mike’s Big Box of Bananas is the title of a touring kids’ production starring Andy from CBeebies and his long-time comedy cohort, Mike.
The bright and funky set of ‘Andy and Mike’s pad’ forms the backdrop to this twisted tale following a day(dream) in the life of the cheeky chappies.
The plot, such as it is, involves a mystery box and the lads’ attempts to open it. Without lifting the lid on the show’s many surprises, let’s just say we’re taken on an adventure to ‘Password Paradise’ involving song and dance routines, pirates and a missing pork pie.
The show’s aimed at 4 to 7-year-olds but there were belly laughs from the adults in the audience at the pop culture references and the duo’s goofy camaraderie.
There’s plenty of audience participation but nothing to make you cringe. In fact, I giggled or at least grinned inanely all the way through. Amazingly for such a long show (45 minute acts with a 20 minute interval), all the kids were hooked throughout. Even my 13-month-old was swept up in the action.
About the Pleasance Theatre
Getting to the Pleasance by bus or train (nearest tube Caledonian Road) is a cinch although when we arrived we got a bit of a shock at the awkward flight of steps leading up to the theatre. You can press a buzzer for access to the lift but it was easier and quicker for us to get a helping hand with the pushchair from another visitor.
Inside the theatre’s got a charming feel, with comfy chairs in the foyer and a bar selling anything from beer to hot chocolate and muffins.
The auditorium seats 280 and although the show wasn’t packed, the combined energy of the performers and the warm response from the crowd made it feel like a full house.
For tour dates of Andy and Mike’s Big Box of Bananas visit their web site.
Check the Pleasance Theatre web site for future shows.
