As a lifelong lover of A.A. Milne’s stories and poems and the endearing E.H Shepherd illustrations of ‘Winnie The Pooh’ I was deeply intrigued to view the original script by Riley McLean of “Deep in the Hundred Acre Wood” presented by Bearfoot Theatre.
Let me begin with how fantastic it is to see original live theatre productions in Newcastle and I highly applaud Bearfoot productions in continuing to provide their fabulous contribution in our area and beyond.
I loved the immersive greeting of 1940s era tunes and the immediate introduction to Christopher Robin (Zac Scully) laying in the middle of the floor busily drawing pictures of childhood favourite characters; Pooh Bear, Eeyore, Kanga, Rabbit and Piglet. Edward bear (Winnie The Pooh) was perched ready beside a made-up mattress on the floor. I instantly felt connected to the Hundred Acre Woods – Deep In The Hundred Acre Woods I guess you might say.
The play began with the poem ‘Now We Are Six’ and I was enraptured as that is actually one of my all-time favorites. Plentiful exquisite literature of A.A. Milne, including his quotes and poems are beautifully and seamlessly woven into this creative tapestry. Attention to A.A Milne fans – I think you’ll love this respectful honour to his works.
Christopher Robin is shut in his room, hiding away from the bombing raids which bombard the city. He desperately tries to busy himself with the help of his beloved bear and a magnificent dash of imagination. There is a mix of endearing, playful, whimsical,comical, eerie and harrowing moments at different stages and sometimes all at once.
The bombing scenes are deeply eerie created by an effective sound track along with clever lighting and projected image techniques. The creeping stage hands wearing war masks definitely contributed to the disturbing atmosphere.
I have to admit I was skeptical about watching a one person play but Zac Scully was truly exceptional and literally blew me away with his ability to reincarnate one of my childhoods most beloved characters- Christopher Robin. One might presume that it would be an impossible task for a grown man to harness the character of a six year old boy, especially one so worldly famous and beloved but I assure you that Zac Scully mastered it! To merely say I was thoroughly impressed would be a gross understatement. He successfully reincarnated Christopher Robin with commendable skill.
The stage never felt empty or lacking by any means considering Christopher Robin was alone albeit his bear. However, Pooh Bear’s recorded voice effectively gave the impression of him being a solid secondary character.
“Deep In The Hundred Acre Woods” is a ‘What If story,’ a reimagining of the life of innocent six year old Christopher Robin, who was actually born in 1920 and instead displacing him into the thickest, deepest, darkest depths of World War Two. After some deliberation and upon hearing the Q&A responses after the show I’ve decided that It’s an intriguing notion to displace young Christopher Robin in this era as he and his father A.A.Milne were both devastatingly affected by World War One and World War Two respectively.
Riley McLean discussed the relevant parallels in current war torn countries and how they felt urged to shed light on the suffering of innocent children who are subjected to the atrocities of war. The walls were plastered with gruesome war drawings which we later learnt were real artworks from children afflicted in war torn countries- a chilling accessory.
Well done Riley McLean and the fabulous team at Bearfoot Theatre I look forward to your next production.
Although Winnie The Pooh is well known as a children’s favourite this reimagining does contain disturbing depictions of war and is recommended for older A.A Milne fans.
Deep In The Hundred Acre Wood is running from 9-12 October at The Tantrum Studio 101 City Road , Merewether.
Book now for tickets @ https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1272450
This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.
