The Firework-Maker’s Daughter review – Philip Pullman’s fairy tale is explosive fun | Christmas offers

SSome children’s books—simple stories from familiar worlds—transfer to the stage without carrying much of the heavy creative burden. Philip Pullman’s fantasy tale of volcano climbing, talking elephants, and “the greatest fireworks display in the galaxy” is not one of them. But with buckets of imagination and a stellar cast, Lee Liford’s new production for six- to 12-year-olds is epic and startlingly intimate. My guest, seven-year-old Artie, is unfamiliar with the book but is instantly fascinated and, at times, even now on the edge of his seat, afraid he’ll bump into the woman in front of him.

Laila dreams of becoming a fireworks maker like her father; He’s not very keen. So when he is tricked into revealing the final secret of his trade – winning the royal match from a fire demon atop a volcano – Layla takes off like a rocket through jungles and pirates. After her friend Chulak learns more about the dangers in store, she goes in search of protective waters with the king’s roaring white elephant, Hamlet.

Lyford and his team use their bulging dramatic toolbox to bring everything to life. Anisha Fields’ simple set begins with Lila and her father’s workshop, but with the help of a few additional scenes and some modest props, it soon turns into a river, a forest, and the side of a volcano, complete with cardboard rockslide. Fireworks are cocktail umbrellas and tiny lights dancing on your fingertips. (The fireworks contest at the end is even more impressive in ways I won’t spoil.)

There are excellent puppets, from the massive Hamlet – controlled by two cast members – to the intricate shadow puppets that parade through the lampshade. “Write that down – that’s amazing!” Artie whispers, fiddling with my notebook. Jonathan Chan’s lighting and Elena Peña’s sound design bring real menace. When red lights, smoke, crackling sound effects and a growling voiceover conjure a fire demon, a horrified Artie suggests raising the age limit to nine.

The cast of five takes the technical demands of this invention in stride, with everyone also playing multiple roles except for Tika Moatmar (the delightfully likable Laila). Artie’s favorite actor is Jules Chan, who plays a sassy Chulak and one of the useless pirates paddling themselves in circles in his favorite scene – it’s also a moment when Judd Christian’s adaptation adds a playful silliness to Pullman’s lively language. My star is Rosemary Christian, whose every incarnation is a delight, although Cockney contestant Aunt Rampachi is her best.

Layla’s mission could have been accomplished with clearer preparation, ultimate lessons in love, risk, and further exploration. But what seven-year-old cares about all that amidst so much fun? Despite some questions throughout, Artie quits making fireworks with his fingers, practicing the “mouth sounds” he admired from actors, and planning an explosive future career.