The enigmatic Phineas Phrog Productions have presented another formidable classic: Sleeping Beauty at The Bruce Mason Theatre in Takapuna. 

Well known for its wide ranging magical productions, this latest performance places Phineas at the forefront of Children’s entertainment and education.

The story is ages old, yet Sleeping Beauty as told by a very capable ensemble of four performers and a technical crew, is ever-present to current trends, music and iconography. The old fable has been laced with current names such as Justin Bieber, the movies Frozen and Harry Potter – which cleverly honours the audience’s sensibilities and hooks them in to move swiftly along on a well-packed musical journey.

The play even deals with the pervasive Hollywood ‘Aurora’ character, presencing the actual name of Briar Rose, smartly within the story’s traditional layers.  Notably ‘Fairy Eftposia’ is one of countless witty offerings to the Fairy-tale conceptions throughout history.

The actors are great, clearly keeping the story skipping along with occasional flourishes of ‘real’ playful performance.

The music complements the contemporary tones of the play with smatterings of hip-hop, R&B infused with some more familiar folk style melodies.

This all makes for a highly accessible and, from the sights and sounds of hundreds of very attentive kids, a well-received creation. 

In order to presence itself in such a large space as the Bruce Mason is, the Stage design is bold and colourful. The initial site of the castles and towering doorways takes the breath away. However it should be noted that, given the simplicity of cast size and character development, this play could do equally as well with a less sizeable set. 

I want to acknowledge something that would have moved very subtly in the predominantly pākeha, North Shore audience. This was the use of the word “tikanga” at a simple, yet for me poignant, stage. As someone who appreciates Reo and Te Ao Māori, to have integrated that word at the time it was used was very insightful and is a sign of the times. Of course there is more to be done, much much more to be explored, but I want the Phineas team to know that I noticed this and I commend you for highlighting our NZ cultural breadth. Kia kaha and please keep it up.

Phineas Phrog are not only performance specialists but create an almost transmedia approach to inspiring our children with creativity and delight through publication, events and teaching.

Congratulations to the company and may your work continue to expand the minds of the young for many years to come.

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