Panto fodder lacking in excitement

Fans of Hans Christian Andersen's story The Tinderbox may well be puzzled by London Bubble's latest production. Director and writer Jonathan Petherbridge has transformed the tale with the help of new characters (including an action hero dog), a modern theme (the morality of war) and, rather confusingly, a wildly different storyline.

Andersen's simple tale of a soldier's love for a princess is replaced by an unwieldy adventure, souped up with classic panto fodder: an evil stepmother, a captured princess and a do-gooder rescue team. But it's panto fodder with none of the excitement.

Petherbridge has created a plot so dense, the actors need to verbally explain the action rather than perform it. His direction, too, is clumsy --and by making heavy work of the story, the comic physicality and panto banter that usually inspires audience participation is compromised. The cast battle on admirably, though somewhat quietly given the size of the venue, but you never feel absorbed.

There is magic to be had, though. Pip Nash's gloriously visionary set and costume designs contain a wealth of imagination: a towering sculpture of wooden chairs serves as a tree while an actor doubles as a hotel reception desk. A folk band are also responsible for much of the show's fun, employing a washboard and accordion to provide lively accompaniment.

It's a shame, then, that with such innovative creativity, The Tinderbox could not cast more of a spell.

Until Jan 5, The Albany, Douglas Way SE8, various times, £7.50 to £13. Tel: 020 8692 4446. Tube: New Cross

The Tinderbox
The Albany
Douglas Way, Deptford, SE8 4AG