The British Theatre Academy was founded by Mathew Chandler aimed at offering young performers under the age of 23 a chance to develop their skills and confidence. This season they present five shows, four at Southwark Playhouse and one at the open air theatre at Minack in Cornwall.
My son Pinocchio jr is a stage version of the Disney film of 1940 and later TV film, and includes some of the songs from that film. In particular there are lovely renditions of "When you wish upon a star" and "I've got no strings". It's hard to fail to create, with this charming father son story , Disney music and hoardes of enthusiastic kids, a delightful touching stage show.
It is simply set in the round using very large boxes to hold props and create platforms and has the feel of a children's playroom with the kids acting out the story to each other. The large wooden wardrobe becomes an entrance but also provides the costumes for the various characters that they portray. Five toys are gently flown out when we are taken into the flashback of Pinocchio's life.
