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Such an incredibly brave undertaking for this group of young performers. Not a play for the feint of heart, both as archetypal and modern as could be, run through with rich, bloody themes of love and death. ‘Where in the world is Frank Sparrow’ is Romeo and Juliet, spiced with Westside Story and laced with unhealthy, yet tasty sprinkles of Pans Labyrinth.
Taking time to check out Irish folk animal myth could offer hidden depths, but not essential. The play is rich deep and complex, its ebbs and flows with lilting rhyme carrying the action at quite a pace. The production is a dark dance set to haunting music. The whole piece is choreography, not set to a beat, but woven, run, and writhed through, the actors moving as one across the broad, open space.
The young cast are excellent. Each confidently wielding the material, with no weak- links or blandness. For me there are standouts, but you will doubtless find your own. The play offers fleshed out, animalistic, character parts for the whole company and they bring a seriousness to their roles, while allowing welcome comic relief to free the audience for snatched moments to exhale a little tension.
The story is spun mostly via narrative explosion, Frank Sparrow is an appealing Magical Child, coming of age and falling in love in a dystopian cityscape. This part is simple, it is from here you must be on your tippy- toes and paying absolute attention from the off, if not you might miss the significance of Frank Sparrow, until the final act, so tune in early. The meadow animals tell the tale, of underworld Frank and his forbidden love for ‘angelic’, underbelly, Kira Kelly, the daughter of a mobster.
Allegorical literacy and will really bring a dimension to your viewing experience. Here I make a special mention to the maker of the masks. They are beautiful, eery and perhaps above all sturdy and well-fitted.
The direction assumes intelligence in their audience, which I always appreciate, and the cast convey a thorough understanding of the powerful dark, fable with-which they are charged. The action and attack is always strong, and occasionally disturbing and emotional.
Do not be fooled by these creature storytellers, I would not bring any but the bravest over 12s, this production has strong horror undercurrents and is occasionally graphic.
To wrap up I would say- add this into your life this week. It is graceful, deep and fantastical. In fact, go watch, head to the pub, break it down into bitesize chunks, allow it to sink in. Let it worm its way in to your soul, then once digested, book another seat and go watch again.
Where in the World is Frank Sparrow is wonderful engaging and spirited work from this young company. You shine in all the right ways. Now I’m off to book another ticket.
Review by Gabi Angus-West
Produced by We Talk Theatre
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