Giant’s Baby

Allan Ahlberg‘s delightful children’s play first appeared at the Polka 11
years ago and is now making a welcome return; the enthusiastic response from
a recent audience testimony to its successful reception here.

Advertised as aimed specifically at children over six years, it’s a simple comic tale of how a little girl called Alice wishes for a baby brother. Her dream comes true in the most unexpected fashion when a giant baby literally lands on her family’s doorstep and turns the household upside down. Fifteen pints of milk for breakfast, nappies improvised from bath towels and with a rattle that can pack a hefty punch at close range, the gigantic infant brings both chaos and
joy to the Hicks family before all ends happily – and peacefully!

Alex Bunn‘s colourful set conjures the cosy domesticity of the Hicks’ house
beautifully and an enthusiastic cast bring much effervescence to this warm and
winning story that never forgets its audience, seeking to involve them
at every opportunity. For their part, young theatregoers seem to clearly relish witnessing the baby’s noisy mishaps mid auditorium and joining in with the cheerful songs that punctuate the
action.

The Narrator, Christian Dixon, keeps the story rolling along well, and
David Broughton-Davies appears to be having the time of his life as the gargantuan
baby, capturing the mien and demeanour of an infant to gurgling and hilarious
perfection. Gemma Sandy is similarly persuasive as young Alice and the rest
of the cast bring an infectious enthusiasm to their roles that is truly
appealing.

With its good-natured charm, The Giant’s Baby is hard to resist, providing ideal summer fare for restless youngsters. All in all, a top-notch family show.

Amanda Hodges