Michael Morpurgo's play, "Billy The Kid" is a heart warming children's show that is currently being performed at the Digital Theatre. At first glance, this performance space looks more like a park, but you will find yourself being pulled into the Second World War of Billy the Kid as you watch the show. While the on-screen version is lovable because it creates intimacy with the actors close-up, the show also manages to keep the stage's integrity, with the actors performing brilliantly in front of a live audience.
"Engaging performance aspiring character strengths"
The playful set was designed by Adam Wiltshire with simplicity in mind for a child but has an appealing nice distinction that relates to adults and parents as well. For instance, a child can imagine themselves running up and down the artificial grass of the hill as if they were on a playground. While an adult would probably imagine themselves sitting on the park bench, reading a book as they enjoy the peaceful environment that the set creates.
Inside the simple and comprehensible set, there is a creative cast of two actors that play. At the play’s start, Sam (Sam Donovan) is a young Chelsea footballer who only wants to play for Chelsea, until one day his dream comes true when the club signs him to become a champion striker for the first team.
This brings Sam to cross paths with Billy (Dudley Sutton), who has returned to “his” home football ground as a guest of honor while his story gets told in flashbacks. Throughout the performance, each actor is engaging, and their acting chops are irrefutable. Sam Donovan does excellent work in his versatile role as Sam, an army doctor, Italian referee, and a Liverpudlian police officer.
On the other hand, Dudley Sutton is impeccable and vivid in his role as Billy. In the end, Billy the Kid weaves together a tale about an old man who reconciles with his past and present as he recalls a brief career at the club.
This is a play that will inspire you to cinematic aspiration, with a fresh display of character strengths and virtues.
Like knowledge, wisdom, creativity, curiosity, courage, bravery, perseverance, zest, humanity, love, kindness, social intelligence, transcendence, hope, humor, spirituality, temperance, forgiveness, humility, justice and fairness.
"Professional production with enthusiasm and commitment"
Director Tony Graham has an imaginative, reflective and clear sense of vision that he imparts to the audience. All while he has put together a fine show with smooth and creative scene changes, as you will find laughable moments throughout the play.
In addition, the lighting design of Phil Clarke and costume design of Adam Wiltshire were versatile. I can only describe the lighting as strikingly lit, with modern costumes that were a fit for each character, and everything seemed to complement the 1939 to 1945 time period.
I encourage you to go see this production, at any time of the year as it's available to download through the digital theater while this show can't be found any place else. So if you want to escape from the norm into a mangy London park that occurs during the Second World War, then you won't have to leave the comfort of your home to support a cast that's a dynamic duo!
The show "Billy the Kid" runs throughout the week - at any time - at a cost of $2.99 to rent or $6.99 to buy in digital format. If you would like more information for seeing the show, please visit the Digital Theater website.
