Street Dreams

This wordless puppet piece by Canterbury-based Little Cauliflower Theatre packs quite an emotional punch, despite its slender story and junkyard aesthetic. An old man who lives in a rubbish tip, plagued by squeaking banana skins and flying plastic bags, takes a magical trip to a greener land.

From the evocative opening, with plastic bags swooping over the set like manic seagulls, through to bubblewrap jellyfish and an umbrella boat, it’s a joy to watch the young company’s ability to transform the simplest of material into something full of emotional resonance.

Their puppetry skills are good: the old man’s movements are full of life and expression, and he reacts convincingly – and humorously – to interjections from the audience. The elaborate set, which transforms from a refuse tip to a stormy sea and back again, is particularly impressive. Live music from Peter Morton on harmonica and mandolin serves a strong role in defining the show’s poignant atmosphere.

The piece’s ultimate message of appreciating what you’ve got chimes beautifully with the hope and optimism conveyed by this bewitching production.

– David Kettle