Review: The man who wanted to be a penguin at The Waterside is “The perfect experience for this time of year”

In his backyard shed, the incredible inventor is hard at work planning his next exhibition; after his invention of ‘a storm in a cup’ (much to his uptight neighbours’ dismay!) he is more than ready to leave his boring shed and settle into a more accepting environment- however, just where is the perfect place, and will the feathery inhabitants approve of him?

Niki McCretton’s playful production brings a perfect display of individuality along with a sense of embracing your true self, whether that means travelling to the other side of the world to live amongst penguins, or not.

Despite the temperature of the glimmering snow, the performance is warm as ever.

The cast shows real talent as they jump from puppetry to song and dance, to actively embracing their energetic roles – the performance definitely has you hooked, as there is always something to see.

Loretta Hope plays multiple roles, from narrating astronaut to overly helpful postman, and even a fellow explorer helping the inventor navigate the Antarctic and its surroundings; she plays each role with humour, flair, devotion to the character- even the cheeky penguin!

Stephen Salt is our explorer, inventor, and dreamer, bringing laughter and all-round warmth to the stage as he undergoes the journey of a lifetime, and experiences this new, exciting environment.

Along with the delicate puppetry that has the audience cooing, and a set design straight out of a story book, the show creates the perfect mix of cosy and inviting and is the perfect experience for this time of year.