REVIEW: YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things
- Jacqui Dwyer
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Having spent the majority of my childhood travelling far from Australia, I didn’t get to experience the weird and wonderful catalogue of adventure-based kids books by Andy Griffiths, but after today I wish I had!
YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things is one of his most recent releases, but he’s widely known for his Multi-Storey Treehouse series which has also been adapted into live productions. This adaptation by Richard Tulloch is a gorgeous exploration of childhood play, and wacky fun for all the family. I loved seeing families coming out to the Arts Centre in full force on a rather blustery morning, and the theatre was buzzing with excited little ones and chatty parents.
A cosy lounge room welcomed us in from the gusts outside, but didn’t remain cosy for long! Designed by Isla Shaw, the set and props honoured Bill Hope’s original illustrations in style and shade, and shape-shifted cleverly throughout the plot. It allowed for play within various levels and depth, and displayed lots of random objects and little details that felt like a real life ‘I Spy’ book. (The socks were especially adorable!) We moved seamlessly from extraordinary locations to cosy cubbies as the story kept throwing more eccentric ideas into mix.
Despite this show barreling on with wild and over-the-top shenanigans, the feeling of genuine play was never lost. Catherine Dominguez and Mym Kwa as YOU & ME were delightfully energetic and passionately driven towards play and world building - as many kids are - their imaginations spilling into fearless exploration and hilariously accurate questioning of absolutely everything around them, especially interrogating the ‘grown up’ characters (for anyone that’s ever been caught in a ‘but why?’ chain - we see you.)
Mathew Lee’s very sweet but very shy bull was adored immediately, prompting an audible ‘aww’ from the audience in a particular moment of vulnerability. For the mischievous in the crowd, Nicholas Starte’s Johnny Knucklehead was a fan favourite with a comic voice like Danny DeVito and wild slapstick tendencies. Tying this ragtag Wizard of Oz-esque quartet together was Anthony Craig, the cooky everyman narrator every story needs. His crystal clear voice was incredibly agile, comedically brilliant and his general stage presence was so warm and welcoming to watch.
I’m so glad Andy Griffiths’ ‘seriously silly’ books have found stage adaptations with CDP, who continue to craft beautiful productions of beloved stories and tour them across the country. I’m particularly thrilled with stories that capture the necessity and power of play for connection, creativity and joy. My friend and I left the theatre swapping stories about the lands we dreamt up when we were little, surrounded by kids actively dreaming up their own adventures in the foyer. Play is vital for all people, regardless of age or experience, and who knows where it may take you, or me - or what treasure we might find!
Catch YOU & ME and The Land of Lost Things at the Arts Centre in Melbourne from the 13th-14th June, before it gets lost in Frankston, Brisbane, Toowoomba and Canberra!
