This kids show has a simple, imaginative and fun premise and plot: a naughty cat is told that there are chocolate mice on the moon, which is obviously made of cheese; so she steals a rocket to get there. It is a fun musical story, full of imagination and energy, with catchy songs and good characterisation, even with the cast rotating characters. The kids seemed to be enraptured, which means the show was obviously doing something right.
The set was impressive with plenty of colour, a rudimentary rocket and a background of strung fairy lights to represent the stars. However, more care could have been taken over smaller details such as the lumps of 'cheese' which were small smiley faced plushies, slightly ruining the illusion of cheese, but nothing a lick of paint couldn't fix.
The young cast are very talented, at musical theatre, dance and physical movement, as well as acting. They maintain the energy they need to entertain young children throughout the show. A fun twist appears when 'Super Plodd' is employed to chase the cat and rescue the chocolate mice, and this results in some fun engagement with the kids towards the end of the show.
However, the show was slightly rough around the edges, with a couple of moments where the lines went slightly wrong, possibly because some very enthusiastic kids were shouting, but this is something the cast should be prepared for. Equally 'Super Plodd's' scene in which he trips over the cheese traps Naughty Cat has laid was just a bit awkward, and while it may have passed amongst the children, shows like this should also be aware that at least half their audience will be adults so quality is still important.
However, they did do a good job of entertaining the adults too with plenty of humour, as all the best kids shows do. This was a great show, with the exception of a few minor mishaps, which could be easily rectified, and moreover, it is great imaginative and creative fun for kids.
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The Naughty Cat and the Cheesy Moon is performing at Assembly Checkpoint at 16:05 on Aug 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27. Tickets and more information can be found on the Fringe website.
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