Puffin @ Scottish Storytelling Centre
As much for the older kids in the audience as it is for the little ones, Puffin is a wake-up call to action – though a gentle one all the same
"Fish, Dive, Fish, Fish, Swim". Puffins are remarkable little critters, waddling about with slithering sand eels perfectly arranged in their beaks – flocking to the same location once a year en masse. At this time, our two bird-watching adventurers meet to camp out, waiting for the Puffins.
Few things bring joy to an audience more than seeing how children react to theatre. You know you’ve made something special when they echo the Puffin calls (saxophone). Entertaining before the production even starts, the smiles and giggles already speak volumes.
Snap-Elastic, the new production company responsible for Puffin, lives up to its title. They cover an array of art-forms, from instrumentals and vocals to tech and comedy. Shamelessly borrowing from their namesake, the way to describe Puffin is, well, snappy. It doesn’t pander, even when educating, and never dwells too long on one subject.
The energy on offer from co-creators Alice Mary Cooper and Claire Willoughby is what drives the performance. Cooper's clowning charm is not too overbearing, but enough to give her uptight character a diverse element, whilst Willoughby’s bright eyes and musical prowess capture the audience.
For as much as Puffin takes itself seriously, it revels in the absurd. This makes for fantastic interludes of music and song, which are not just for the younger viewers. In fact, you’ll find yourself chuckling harder at lines than any pint-sized companion.
Naturally though, as with any kid’s show, there’s a lot more here on offer than vivid colours, songs and frivolity. Puffin has layers of commentary – some laced neatly, others landing like a herring to the face. All of them, however, are necessary. Little questions are asked as to the puffins' disappearance, our own impact potentially the cause. As the puffins fail to return to the isle, the pair fall deeper into cabin fever.
Unsatisfied – adventure is still out there – a tent transforms into a raft ready for sail. They set off, with little supplies and no knowledge or charts; just a desire to grow closer, explore and seek out the one thing keeping them grounded: those 32cm clowns of the bird world.
Utterly charming, Puffin is a creative piece which carries an activist message about our own actions against climate control. As much for the older kids in the audience as it is for the little ones, the play is a wake-up call to action – though a gentle one all the same. It encourages a tighter discussion with our peers on nature and change.
Puffin tours Scotland from 1-25 Nov, see here for dates and tickets