Outside The Festival Theatre yesterday, a chilly February frost soon melted to the warming chirps and trills of excited pupils from Sacred Heart Primary School, Penicuik.
Eager eyes sparkling in brilliant sunshine were looking forward to a midweek matinee performance of  the Bristol Old  Vic’s musical stage adaptation of Arthur Ransome’s age of innocence, ‘messing about in boats’ childhood adventure, ‘Swallows And Amazons’.
And a pre-performance treat was also on offer with a hands-on workshop led by Staff Director, Cressida Brown. Pupils were able to share interpretations of storm-tossed ships in group soundscapes and mimes beneath the very proscenium arch where the show was soon to commence.
Speaking to The Edinburgh Reporter shortly before the performance, Headteacher and visit organiser, Mary Durkacz, praised both The Festival Theatre and Bristol Vic’s determination to make this an unforgettable day for pupils and staff (all on their very best behaviour of course! ER).
And Headteacher’s final report? ‘This was a charming, imaginative and refreshing production. It held the children completely spellbound and brought many adults fond reminiscences of lakeside summers they have only had in their imaginations. Full praise then to Tom Morris’ deft direction of Helen Edmunson’s sympathetic and evocative adaptation.’
The show runs until February 4th and is a delightfully witty celebration of a magical story enhanced  by  ingenious mechanical effects and mind-boggling mime. All aboard me hearties!
