The creative team behind Oh No, George! are back again with another adaptation of a Chris Haughton picture book. Playing a festive season at The Albany, Well Done, Mummy Penguin is a delightful new show for ages 3-8, featuring Can’t Sit Still’s unique mix of storytelling, animation, acrobatics and clowning. Mummy (and a 3 year old she borrowed especially for the occasion) waddled along to Deptford last weekend for some penguin play time.
Initially set up like a narrated nature documentary, it then flips as the penguins take over to tell their own tale. Mummy Penguin (Sorcha Lockyer) is off on an Antarctic adventure to find food for the family, while Daddy Penguin (Nathan Johnston) looks after the little one. It’s a perilous journey through deep water, icy ridges and a colony of scary seals. Meanwhile Daddy and Baby Penguin (James Gill) play at home, becoming increasingly anxious as they await her safe return.
It’s a lovely little show with some universal messaging about family alongside a deep dive into the family dynamics of everyone’s favourite black and white birds. There’s a great blend of impressive acrobatics (including some gorgeous pole work from Lockyer) and some more lively clowning.
While older audience members will appreciate the circus skills, it’s the latter that better holds the attention of the younger children, alongside the use of kazoos to mimic the penguins’ distinctive call. The energy in the room does drop a little during the quieter moments but picks up again when things become sillier. And while there is some audience participation towards the end, it feels a bit forced and might have been improved by a sprinkle of snow or perhaps a snowball fight.
There is some clever design in here (from Laura McEwen), using versatile props for acrobatic work. The set and costuming are a little abstract, giving a frosty feel without being literal or cartoonish depictions of penguin life. Alexandra Stafford’s lighting design then brings this icy landscape to life with a muted wintery colour palate.
It’s also a highly accessible production, incorporating BSL and creative captioning (as well as offering a relaxed performance and touch tours).
Overall, Well Done, Mummy Penguin is a delightful festive treat with some really impressive acrobatic work and a heartwarming message.
Well Done, Mummy Penguin plays at The Albany from 1 to 24 December 2024. We received complimentary tickets to the press performance on 7 December.