Ambitious plan pays; Why The Whales Came Birmingham Old Rep Birmingham Stage REVIEWS.

Byline: DIANE PARKES

COMPANy opens the Christmas shows and adapting Michael Morpurgo's Why The Whales Came is ambitious but it pays off.

Youngsters Daniel and Gracie, played with suitable enthusiasm by Jay Quinn and Eliza Caitlin Parkes, befriend the mysterious Birdman bird·man
n.
1. also One, such as an ornithologist, who works with birds.

2. Slang An aviator. and learn the long-harboured secrets of the whales' curse. The approaching World War One gives the story a deeper level of pathos, especially when Gracie's dad departs.

The stage set is uncomplicated and many props have to be imagined. All of the excellent cast keep the action moving; the most fidgety fidg·et·y
adj.
1. Tending to fidget.

2. Creating unnecessary fuss.

fidget·i·ness n.

Adj. of youngster will be hooked. It runs until January 24.

VERDICT: *****

COPYRIGHT 2008 Birmingham Post & Mail Ltd
No portion of this article can be reproduced without the express written permission from the copyright holder.

Reader Opinion

Article Details
Printer friendly Cite/link Email Feedback
Publication:	Birmingham Mail (England)
Date:	Nov 14, 2008
Words:	103
Previous Article:	REVIEWS: Dirty deeds done with real spirit; MURDER IN PLAY Oldbury Repertory Players Barlow Theatre, Langley.
Next Article:	Youngsters turn over a new leaf; READING: City staff volunteer for listening sessions.
Topics:	Cetacea Whales