Stig of The Dump Is A Triumph

Susan Stanley-Carroll reviews the Tabard's Christmas and New Year Show

Ten years, after its first production at the Tabard Theatre, Clive King’s “Stig of the Dump” triumphantly returns to enthral and delight Chiswick audiences. It’s a family play that’s been adapted for the stage by Richard Williams. This 2018 production should appeal to all ages.

The story involves Barney, an 8 year old boy, who lives with his grandmother and sister on chalk pits. He is told he must not roam on his own, however, his curiosity gets the better of him. He tumbles head first into a chalk pit cluttered with rubbish.

The play kicks in once Barney meets Stig and the dump is brought to life when a group of Snargets/Street Boys try to discover its secrets.

My little companions (aged 5 and 7 years), were a tad spooked by parts of the play but this made it all the more exciting for them! When I noticed them leaning forward engrossed with their ‘eyes on stalks’, I knew they were having a good time! Thrilled by the punchy, well paced plot that is full of twists and turns.

Julian Bailey-Jones performance as the impulsive Stig, who only grunts, except for the word ‘jam jar’, was convincing and charismatic. Lewis Meagor’s Barney captivated the audience as he sensitively developed a believable friendship with Stig. The rest of the actors Alexandra Brailsford, Chris Buckley, Lewis Chance, and Simi Egbejumi-David were equally committed, and gave robust performances.

Russell Labey’s ‘spot on’ direction is supported by Leon Parris’s rousing music and Fern Hawkin’s set that is a chaotic-clutter of stuff. Do ask for the Quiz Sheet, if you arrive early, it appealed to the three of us.

All in all a brilliant, uplifting night at Chiswick’s local theatre watching a play that was sweet’n a tad scary, innovative and compassionate. At the end both of my little companions braved the stage to jump like cave men and have a photo shoot with Stig. They bounced out of the Tabard, doing the Cave Man Hop, into a taxi. Parents were delighted when they arrived home and fell into a quick slumber; next morning they awoke keen to explore Clive King’s classic children’s book first published in 1963.

Susan Stanley-Carroll

16 December - 6 January, 2019
Tuesday - Saturday
Lasts 1hour and 30 minutes
5 plus

December 15, 2018