Whistle Down the Wind (Tour – Liverpool)
Bill Kenwright’s new tour of Whistle Down the Wind has opened in Liverpool almost ten years since the impresario first produced a version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical adaptation of Mary Hayley Bell’s 1959 classic story.
In the mid-1990s, however, Lloyd Webber adapted the story for the stage and relocated to another setting entirely, thus Louisiana’s bible-belt in the 1950s. Kenwright, as before, keeps to this American setting.
Switching the location from Lancashire to Louisiana introduces further themes of racism and small town repression, both of which are brought out in Kenwright’s new production. However, not one member of the cast – particularly the leading members – nails the deep southern accent (some even giving up trying) which is a cause of distraction.
But the production brings out the overriding conflict in the story which is childhood innocence versus the world of adulthood. The central storyline involves three siblings discovering a man they believe is Jesus Christ, and who they want to help by hiding him in their barn.
The Man is played by Jonathan Ansell, X Factor finalist and former member of pop operatic band G4, who brings youthfulness and a more chizzled presence to the role compared to the much older looking Alan Bates in the film. The Man has committed a crime and uses the children’s misunderstanding of his identity to keep safe from the less naïve adult world he’s avoiding.
The innocence of the children comes through their leader, Swallow (Kathy in the film). Carly Bawden sparkles as Swallow, particularly when it’s her turn to sing in the 14 musical numbers she’s involved in.
Lloyd Webber and Jim Steinman’s songs manage to get the audience, on this occasion, singing along with title song “Whistle Down the Wind” and “No Matter What” – a huge hit for pop group Boyzone – still proving popular for some.
Liverpool’s own Josh Simpson demonstrates great timing when delivering his comical lines as well as a maturity in his singing. He plays Poor Baby – a part being alternated with Toby Smith during this tour – who is the younger brother of Swallow. Meanwhile, the multitude of children are incredibly cute and rule, for a majority of the time, in Whistle.
Paul Farnsworth’s excellent and imaginative set design makes scene changes slick and quick, whilst distinguish the bright and cheery child world with the much darker complex adult world.
If accents were more distinguishable, Whistle would have another star on the board, but despite this one suspects kids and grandmas will love it.
