Dead Puppet Society have truly struck gold with 'The Wider Earth’.
A cinematic, immersive, theatrical experience, 'The Wider Earth' presents its audiences with excellent dialogue and an enthralling story alone – the bare bones themselves make for a potentially beautiful thing to witness.
Of course, that's without the sweeping score by Lior, the breathtaking stage and lighting design, the beyond capable company of cast members, and a suite of puppets so realistic you'll be waiting for the 'no animals were harmed in the making of 'The Wider Earth'' PSA at the end of the show.
It's a marvel of a work. Tom Conroy takes on the role of Charles Darwin with ease – if it's a challenge (and one would assume it must of course be), that doesn't come across on stage. Tom fits the role like a glove and really makes you want to root for Charles, from beginning to end.
Image © Guy Bell
Meanwhile, it's practically impossible to tell that Frances Berry makes her professional debut in 'The Wider Earth' – her role as Emma Wedgwood feels like such a necessary one though it's small in stage time. . . She makes an impact and is memorable.
Alex Kaan, Barbara Lowing, Kevin Spink, Anthony Standish and Jaime Ureta are all great to watch – Barbara and Kevin each taking on multiple main roles and transitioning between the two with expert-level ease.
The work done by the puppeteers (and leading cast members occasionally doubling as puppeteers!) can't be understated – these little and large creatures take 'The Wider Earth' somewhere very few stage productions dare to venture, which is fitting given the show is set on the voyage of a ship.
Image © Prudence Upton
To draw a comparison to Darwin's theory of evolution, it's clear that this production is surviving, thriving and evolving in its environment – and, based on where it began (in NY, 2014) and where it has been since (a season at London's Natural History Museum among its ports of call), it's exciting to think about the ways in which 'The Wider Earth' can continue to grow in the coming years, and continue to mystify all those whom it meets.
★★★★★
‘The Wider Earth’ is on at The Princess Theatre (Brisbane) until 19 February. It then tours the country with a stop at Redland Performing Arts Centre 23-24 March (Queensland) among the dates.
