Arthur’s review – a quest for modern girls offers the perfect warrior for all ages | Child actors

HThere’s a brilliant new take on the King Arthur legend for ages – and ages – from the Bucket Club theater company. Our story opens with young Grace waiting in A&E, Lego stuck up her nose and her brother in pain following an argument. When Merlin finds himself in the hospital, writing a mysterious story, Grace is drawn to the wonder filled with beautiful forests and beautiful underwater landscapes. At the end, when Arthur drew the famous sword from the stone, he heard a loud noise among the young wizards. Magical.

Author Marietta Kirkbride’s modern day action features clever humor that parents will enjoy and the help of a well cast Gawain the Green Knight. There is a sense of wisdom in today’s politics, 6th century England is struggling without a king and struggling to find a leader with any kind of vision. But the children always come first and the story is fast, brave and full of heart.

The five-strong cast perform with gusto but never feel overdone, allowing for some gentle and moving moments to rise amidst the silliness. Gurjot Dhaliwal’s Grace is good and brave and well supported by Giles Carden’s devoted Arthur; Rose Wardlaw’s Merlin always feels like a real and flawed character despite the growing magic; Megan Vaughan-Thomas and Adam Mirsky are an inspiring show and their actors – galloping across the stage on top of two very silly horses – are a joy to watch.

Harry Blake’s soundtrack adds a lot of energy to the dialogue, and Rebecca Jane Wood’s art keeps things simple yet dramatic. Bright clothes flood the stage with color and there are beautiful dolls full of character. All of this is connected to Nel Crouch’s method of communicating with light, which allows for freedom of expression and excitement in his company but still keeps things clear. There’s even a moving coda moment, Grace is happy at home with her brother and the two of them are running around their living room, making clothes from everything they have – the legend of King Arthur is starting again in another generation.