Stick It Up

The Julia Donaldson juggernaut rolls on, with 2008’s Stick Man joining the likes of The Gruffalo and Room On The Broom as a live-action dramatisation of the much-loved children’s book. Adaptation experts Scamp Theatre and Watford Palace Theatre take the somewhat spindly story of the titular Stick Man, and spin it into 50 minutes of catchy songs, witty puppet work and high-spirited audience participation. The odd bum note aside, the show steers admirably clear of lowest-common-denominator wee and poo jokes in favour of an energetic and infectiously fun romp through woods, around parks, across the sea and even into Santa’s sleigh.

 

Yet something is missing at the play’s core. Unlike brave little Mouse in The Gruffalo, or the resourceful animals in Room On The Broom, Stick Man is almost totally passive: like the Steadfast Tin Soldier (but lacking his stiff upper lip), events control him, not the other way around. This makes it harder for children to engage with his adventures. The best heroes take us by the hand and by their actions show us what quick wits or a kind heart can achieve. Stick Man, by contrast, only whimpers and wails, finally succeeding through luck, not ingenuity.

 

The cast’s energy and skill almost overcomes this, but even a top-notch blues number can’t disguise the hole at the heart of this story.