Production and cast's performance superb

Jeff Kingsford-Brown, director

Lord of the Flies by William Golding adapted for stage by Nigel Williams
Director Jeff Kingsford -Brown
Creative director Dan Pengelly
Centrepoint Theatre, Palmerston North to August 5
Reviewed by Mary Bryan

This is one of the most though provoking, scary, enthralling productions I have seen.
The professionalism of the 11 strong young adult / teenage cast (six of whom are female, and one is only 10) is outstanding.

Their performance and that of the equally young 11-strong ensemble, plus the superb direction of Kingsford-Brown ensure the audience becomes almost a witness to what develops rather than theatre goers.

Based on Golding's legendary book, the play portrays how quickly civilised children can become barbarians when stranded on a desert island with no easily accessible food, shelter and little clothing.

They are the only survivors of a plane that has crashed on the island that at first seems ideal, sun, sea and sand - but at night it becomes a place to be feared.

As the children try to work out how to attract attention if they are to be rescued, a deadly power play for leadership develops.

Ralph (Michael Van Echten) is the voice of reason, who remains true to himself and his sensibly minded bespectacled friend Piggy (Leighton Stitchbury).

However, Jack (Ella Hope Higginson) believes she should be the leader and that the focus be on hunting. A focus, which abetted by Roger (Nathan Mudge) quickly shifts to human game.

This production of Lord of Flies and its exploration of humanity's dark side and savagery is as relevant today as in 1954 when Golding wrote it, and not just in the world of warfare.

The entire cast, director, ensemble, creative directive and creative team all deserve to take a bow for this outstanding production.