Auntie McDuff’s Magical Trunk
07/07/2008 - 19/07/2008
Production Details
A unique adventure using the magic of imagination
Ever wondered what your Mad Old Auntie keeps in her trunk? Follow three kids as they open AUNTIE MCDUFF’S MAGICAL TRUNK and get carried away by on a magical adventure that has them cruising the world in a boat or a plane, defending castles, riding in wagon trains with cowboys and indians in a unique production that takes interactive entertainment to a new level as the audience decides what happens next at each thrilling twist and turn.
Patrick Duffy conceived an improvised show for children as a unique way to harness the power of children’s imaginations and create something truly original in a market already saturated with fairytale adaptations and pantomime shenannigans. Patrick was one of the founding members of The Court Jesters, has travelled Australia and Europe with an International Comedy Duo and in the last three years has presented three full length improvisation shows (as well as directing and devising the recent children’s show PINOCCHIO) – putting the self-described "Executive Smartypants" in an ideal position for this new undertaking.
To create the interactive fun, Duffy cast three of The Court’s professional improvisors, The Court Jesters: Daniel Pengelly (regular performer in SCARED SCRIPTLESS and the recent season of SCRIPTLESS UNCUT), Emma Brittenden of CHATTERBOX fame and Daniel Bain (only slightly limping from the arrow wound sustained as the outstanding dastardly sheriff in the April School Holiday Show ROBIN HOOD & MAID MARIAN). All have proven more than up to the challenge of mixing fast and furious improvised entertainment with a family-friendly feel.
With a story that’s different every time, a cast able to spontaneously become a host of quirky characters and a trunk with more than a few surprises inside, AUNTIE MCDUFF’S MAGICAL TRUNK is a must-see these school holidays – don’t miss out on this phenomenal show!
7th to 19th July; Monday – Friday 10am and 12pm, Saturdays 10am only
Running time: Approximately 50 minutes
ALL TICKETS $7
Featuring Daniel Bain, Emma Brittenden and Daniel Pengelly
50 min, no interval
Making up new stories with a bevy of wacky characters
Review by Lindsay Clark 14th Jul 2008
Nowhere is the audience more wholehearted and bursting with belief than in the five minutes before a promised theatre adventure takes over the stage. No polite murmurings here, no discreet sharing of programmes or settling of coats. Excited anticipation is already high when a vast trunk is wheeled on to the appropriately fictionalised set of Arsenic and Old Lace, currently playing in the evenings at Court One.
From the moment it is used as a hide and seek refuge, resulting in nimble illusionist business, the trunk is established as a source of magic possibilities and the energetic trio of ‘kids’ playing in Auntie Mc Duff’s house have a thoroughly engaged, willing and articulate crowd ready to help them play out their adventures.
The trunk, of course can make anything happen, can become anything, can jump start any situation – and the best of it is that the young audience is in on the (sensibly) limited choices offered. For the challenge is to find Auntie’s dog, Dougal and to a cheerful musical accompaniment, the trunk is transformed into a snazzy old Toyota, complete with driver and whoops, a runaway steering wheel. Never mind, we can build a shop and buy one, but whoops, it’s sold already to a local royal collector so we can build his castle and… and… and …
Throughout the unnerving scenarios demanded by their inventive helpers, (how would you manifest an ice cream storm?) improvisers Daniel Bain, Emma Brittenden and Daniel Pengelly never falter. Their teamwork is clearly a vital part of operations but what is most impressive about the business is the bevy of wacky characters we can all relish and the genuine sharing of the story under construction with the whole theatre. Patrick Duffy understands physical comedy and improvisation thoroughly and it is no surprise that the time passes very quickly.
The adventure is smoothly rounded off with rhyme and riddle – of course Dougal himself can be ‘built’, and there, it’s all done.
"Yes let’s", the motto of improvisers everywhere, backed up by high energy levels and a highly adaptable set piece, creates fun for the minders as well as the tots at this holiday treat. There’s nothing wrong with the old stories of course, but there’s a lot to be said for helping to make up a new one.
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