“In a wonderful place, at the breaking of dawn, where the breezes were soft and the sunshine was warm, a place where the creatures ran wild and played free … A Koala called Kevin clung to a tree.”
As a family, we are big fans of going to see our favourite bedtime books on stage (Mog the Forgetful Cat, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Tiger who Came to Tea), and Rachel Bright & Jim Field write the most wonderful modern books with positive messages and catchy rhymes, so we knew we were in for a treat.
Our story follows Kevin, the clingy Koala and “King of the staying-still-Kings!”, as he sits in the safety of his eucalyptus tree and watches his friends enjoy playing in the outback. Kevin is played flawlessly by Christopher Finn, who also takes on several other characters, including the intensely charismatic Kangaroo (and his baby Joey!). Sometimes appearing as a charming (and expertly handled) puppet voiced by Finn, and other times being fully embodied by Finn in fluffy ears, Kevin is cautious and lovable, and his character is really given depth from the pages of the book.
Joining Kevin on stage are a whole host of characters, with the story itself woven together by 3 excitable explorers, played by Christopher Finn, Danny Hendrix and Sarah Palmer. The quick changes between characters, the amazing range of physical theatre, from basic puppets to costume pieces, to dance ribbons and material, kept the whole show visually mesmerising and captivating for children and adults alike. The scenery of the outback was full of little surprises but kept with the style of the book.
The characters of Kevin’s friends were really enjoyable to watch, particularly Hendrix’ Dingo commentator, and lovable Wombat and Sarah’s sassy Cassowary (yes, I learnt some new animals in this show!), however geographically it seemed that there were more characters with random British accents (Welsh, Brummie and a hilarious Scouse bird), than Australian.
Pacing a children’s show based on a relatively short book, is a tough gig but Director Emma Earle has done a fantastic job without it feeling as though there was too much filler. A few bits, such as the rush hour race, did seem to go over the children’s heads and feel a little chaotic, but were clever nonetheless. My only real negative was when our hero Kevin was exploring his “What if” book. Although it was really well done, and something I can totally relate to as someone who can be guilty of having Kevin-like tendencies, it did seem a little scary in some areas to some of the little ones and I heard a few anxious cries in the seats around us.
Otherwise, it was a fantastic adaptation of a great book, with wonderful songs written by Eamonn O’Dwyer. I wouldn’t say that there were any particular ear worms, but they were lovely and the three actors voices together were very pleasant.
No spoilers of course, but the end of the show has Kevin realise the magic in letting go and saying “I can!” More than “I can’t”, and what a lovely message for a Tuesday in the Easter Holidays. Well worth a watch.
The Koala Who Could is on at the Lowry until the 13th April, before going on tour.
Reviewer: Codie Wright
Reviewed: 8th April 2025
North West End UK Rating: