“Skellig” by David Almond
Nottingham Playhouse

The story’s told by a boy called Michael. He’s moved across town with his parents to an old house that needs to be renovated. Just as they move in, Michael’s baby sister is born. She is premature, and she’s seriously ill. Michael is fed up and frightened. At the bottom of the garden, there’s a tumbledown garage. Michael is told not to go into it. It’s far too dangerous.

Of course, like any kid who is told not to do something, he does and goes in there. And, behind heaps of junk and ancient tea chests, he discovers a wizened man or creature who seems to be on the point of death. This meeting has a dramatic effect on everyone’s lives.

This children’s story, which was the Winner of the Whitbread Children’s Book of the Year and Carnegie Medal, is dark but very enjoyable for all ages as it has that special appeal to both children and adults alike; just look at how many adults read Harry Potter, again aimed at the children’s market, and this is the attraction and appeal that this piece of theatre has.

What hits you as soon as you look through the auditorium doors is the incredible set. I practically covers the whole of the stage from side to side and from stage to, whatever the technical term for the top of the stage is. Let's just say it is huge and took my breath away.

Edward Harrison plays Skellig and he has a knack of appearing by magic on stage. Skellig reminded me a bit of a more refined Catweazle - for those of us old enough to remember that TV character. His transformation at the end of Act One is reminiscent of watching a chick being born from the egg, which is quite apt when you look at the similarities of the story concerning Michael's family

Sam Swann plays Michael,and it does not take you long to put aside that this is the actor from "Mr Selfridge" and "Bob The Builder" voice actor and he is now a 12 year old boy. It's amazing how young you can look without facial hair. He moves like a 12 year old and is completely believable as one.

Kate Okello plays Michael’s new friend Mina who Michael introduces to Skellig, again a very convincing pre-teen.

There is also a lovely father/son moment in Act Two which really got me, as I'm sure would hit home with any father. The dad played by Simon Darwen and Mum played by Tina Harris.

Directed by Lisa Blair, this is pacy to say the least an captures and retains the imagination and attention of all age groups with this absolutely lovely play. There is just the right amount of darkness and the message that the author was trying to give out came through loud and clear.

The set design, (Frankie Bradshaw) as said previously was wonderfully inventive. The lighting (Alexandra Stafford) was atmospheric when needed to be, the puppetry (Matthew Forbes) was a lovely touch, again reminiscent of Harry Potter is parts.

What I was also very impressed with was that this cast had an accent coach. Now if I had not have read this in the programme, I would genuinely have thought that the whole cast were proper Geordies. This accent, and ask any actor, is the most difficult to get right, but I was never in any doubt that the cast were from Newcastle until I read this. A brilliant job done there pet!

If you have not read the book by David Almond, I'm not going to give anything further away, except to say it's like listening to an audio book version of the book with live action in front of your eyes.

It's just a lovely story with a wonderful message, and wouldn't it be nice to think that we all have someone looking over us, especially when we need them.

This play has wings and really takes off so make sure you get a ticket for this lovely lovely piece of theatre.

“Skellig” is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Sunday 7 April 2019.