“Holes” by Louis Sachar

“Holes” is the story of Stanley Yelnats who is born into a family cursed with bad luck thanks to his “no-good, dirty-rotten, pig-stealing great-great-grandfather”. He’s accused of a crime he didn’t commit and is sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile correction centre in the middle of a desert in Texas.

Every day, the inmates have to dig a hole five feet deep and five feet in diameter to “build character”. Stanley and his colleagues have to endure the heat, deadly reptiles and the ambitions of the warden as part of their punishment. But is there some strange ulterior motive to this punishment?

The plot explores the history of the area and how the actions of several characters in the past have affected Stanley's life in the present. These interconnecting stories touch on themes such as racism, homelessness, illiteracy, and arranged marriage.

“Holes” was last here at the Nottingham Playhouse in 2018, so for anyone who saw this the last time, like myself, the story will not be a new one. That said it’s lost none of its’ magic with the story telling and the puppetry is as mesmerising as ever.

James Backway plays Stanley Yelnats and plays the animated Stanley really well. He is full of energy and deals with the physicality of the role perfectly, making the play, not only an interesting, but exciting piece of modern youth theatre.

The other camp mates are Zero (Leona Allen), who is known as the best digger and comes across as "having zero up there" but although he can't read or write, his intelligence becomes apparent later on.

X-Ray (Harold Addo) is the unofficial leader of the group who gives Stanley the nickname of "Caveman" and although starts off being friendly towards Stanley, that attitude changes.

Armpit (Henry Mettle) becomes one of Stanley's close friends, after a bit of argy bargy at the start.

Magnet (Joelle Braban) got his nickname due to his ability to steal, calling his fingers "little magnets"

John Elkington again takes the role of The Judge, Mr Sir, Igor barkov and mainly The Sheriff, who rules the inmates and reports directly to The Warden, played by Rhona Croker. Both of these characters are well matched for their nastiness.

Several other characters flesh out the history in this enigmatic play, and are just as interesting in their own little cameos as the main characters, especially the back story of Kissing Kate Barlow (Elizabeth Twells).

Adam Penford directs this little gem, and I feel that there may have been maybe a few subtle changes to the show in the direction. I feel this as it seems to be even more fresh than when I saw it in 2018. I can't quite put my finger on what makes this production feel different, but it just feels fresher.

Simon Kenny is the Set and Costume Designer,and manages to make you feel that you are in the desert, the sun beating down on you, and with several moving sections of the set, gives you a sense of movement.

Prema Mehta (Lighting Designer) and Adam P McCready's Sound Design, add another layer to that desert feel. Plus there's a lovely dollop of music choice throughout to keep things bouncing along.

The puppets in this play add many things to the play with the sight of rattlesnakes, deadly lizards and even tarantulas invading the stage.

Some plays you can be satisfied with seeing just the once. This play is one that I don't think I would ever get tired of seeing. It delivers several moralistic messages interwoven into the comedy and the plot lines, which is perfect for the subliminal education of the younger theatre goers. Perfect for school visits.

“Holes” is at the Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 8 February.