That’s the thing about outdoor productions. It’s the set and the costumes versus the elements. The tech versus power reliability. And everyone versus noises off. It’s a risk you take. But it’s one that’s worth taking if everything else goes according to plan, which of course it does… most of the time.
Illyria Outdoor Theatre was formed in 1992, and I have seen two of their productions. The first was cancelled because of a power cut. The second is Pinocchio, touring until 6 September and seen by this critic in the beautiful surroundings of Morden Hall Park in southwest London. The performance started late and was interrupted by a low-flying helicopter and the ensuing combination of delays – exacerbated by a 20-minute interval – cued us and others to leave before the end with two once-thrilled-now-uninterested children in tow. Perhaps there are ways to minimise the impact of the unexpected on the audience, especially for a show like Pinocchio, which is aimed at five-year-olds and up.
Since La storia di un burattino was first published 145 years ago, there can’t be many who don’t know the story of Geppetto, a woodsmith who carves a log into a puppet whom he names Pinocchio and who embarks on a quest to become “a real boy”, which he does with the help of the ghost of a talking cricket and a mysterious fairy with turquoise hair. Illyria bring Carlo Collodi’s story vividly to life. Pinocchio is entrancing from the start and filled with humour, brilliant music and a touch of mild peril. The puppetry is superb and the puppets are stunning, especially the shark, a thrilling but not frightening marvel of design that would not look out of place in a Steven Spielberg film. While the show was “too loooong” for his younger sister, my seven-year-old co-critic felt it was “Good. The cricket was funny and I liked the shark… and the helicopter”. Delays and chugging aside, Pinocchio is a wonderful Summer show which older young children will love.
Review by Louis Mazzini
Childless toymaker Geppetto makes a wooden puppet – little realising the chaos he is about to unleash. The puppet yearns for adventure and runs away, but instead of excitement only finds glorious attractions containing hidden dangers. He returns home hoping to be showered with sympathy and learns his tribulations are just beginning. Running away hasn’t worked; lying won’t work; he must become a real boy to achieve the belonging he craves. Collodi’s classic has been translated into no fewer than 260 languages since it was first published in 1883. Illyria celebrates this magical coming-of-age tale in a thrilling musical outdoor show.
PINOCCHIO
Presented by Illyria
Various outdoor venues until 6 September 2026
