REVIEW: The Snail and the Whale at Arts Centre Melbourne

The Snail and the Whale © Tall Stories

The Tall Stories team openedat Arts Centre Melbourne yesterday; I took my two sons along to see it.Having seen the same production team's brilliant stage adaptation of The Gruffalo few years back, I had high expectations for, and was not disappointed.The delightful tale, based on the book written by children's author Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler published in 2003, follows a little snail who wishes to see the world, and does so on the tale of a whale.The show is performed in the intimate Playhouse, which for those of you who have little ones, is downstairs, but you can park your prams upstairsbefore you head down.Right from the onset, children are taken on a nautical journey, with sea themed decor to enjoy in the foyer, which matches that of the stage set; simple but surprisingly adaptable throughout the show.Much like Tall Stories' adaptation of The Gruffalo, there are only three actors in. I have so much respect for a children's theatre performance, which engages the audience with a limited stage set and only three actors, one of which plays the music for the entire show on her electric viola.This stage adaptation is a story that infuses a sweet tale of young girl and her father; a seaman who is gone for lengthy times out on the high seas. What brings the father and daughter together, is the bedtime book;On stage, the young girl becomes the little snail, and the father, the whale. It's a touching play, which not only addresses the bond between father and daughter but also shares the beloved story ofin a delightful way.Both my 7yo and (to my surprise) 2yo sat engrossed throughout the 55 minute performance. Expect plenty of laughs when the actors mix with the audience!at Arts Centre Melbourne is a beautiful, fun and creative little show that appeals to all ages. A must-see during the winter school holiday break. On till 10 July, 2016.Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004Wednesday 29 June  Sunday 10 July, 2016. Various show times.From $30visit artscentremelbourne.com.au or phone 1300 182 183.