My Family and Other Animals by Grove Park Youth Theatre

Originally written by Gerald Durrell

Date: 7 / 2 / 2025

I went to Grove Park theatre in Wrexham to see a play my friends put on. The first thing that struck me was that there were so many people watching. This is my review of the play.

What I liked about the play: I liked all the decorations and props, the performance was funny and full of love - you could see that a lot of hard work had gone into it.

What i disliked about the play: Some things weren't very clear. Some of the performers were a little quiet or stumbled on their lines, which i didn't mind because everyone does that sometimes.

What surprised me?: I was surprised when my friend Holly came on. She was playing a character called Peter, a guest in the house. She came on from off-stage and said, "Peter," in a deep voice with her hands on her hips. I laughed a lot because she sounded funny!

What confused me?: I was slightly confused while watching the play because there was a boy talking throughout. I realised near the end that he was actually the main character, Gerald Durrell, but when he was older - kind of like the voice in the young boy's head.

What was most memorable?: The decorations were absolutely stunning! A lot of time and detail had gone into them.

Have I seen this play before?: No. Although my parents had read me the book when I was a bit younger, but I don't really remember it. I did remember a dog called Dodo whose joints became dislocated from time to time!

What kind of play did I think it would be?: I thought it would be more serious, but they turned the more adulty things from the TV show / book into funny bits.

Have I seen any other plays like it?: I have read the book as I already said, and I have watched the first episode of the TV show: The Durrells. But, no not really. I have seen a play by the same people but it was called Animal farm.

Would I watch it again?: Yes!! Although it was quite long so I would bring way more snacks!

5 Words to describe this play

- Funny

- Exiting 

- Unique

- Magnificent

- Heartwarming

Star rating out of 5:  4.8!!