A whirlwind of energy and heart has arrived at the iconic Bankside venue with Charlie Josephine and Jim Fortune's new family musical adaptation of Pinocchio. Swapping the darker, moralising tones of Carlo Collodi's original 1883 novel for boisterous fun and poignant lessons, this production at Shakespeare's Globe is a festive treat for all ages.
A Puppet's Journey to Humanity
The story begins in a narrow-minded Italian town, where the eccentric inventor Geppetto, played with warmth and humour by Nick Holder, is something of an outcast. His life changes when he acquires a magical piece of talking wood, which he intends to carve into a puppet to win his fortune. The puppet, however, has ideas of his own. Brought to life by a trio of skilled puppeteers operating Peter O'Rourke's beautifully simple wooden design, Pinocchio is a burst of impulsive curiosity. Lee Braithwaite provides the character's wild and wonder-filled voice, perfectly capturing his restless spirit.
This version reframes Pinocchio's famous misadventures. His scrapes are born not from wickedness but from an insatiable curiosity about the world, a quest that explores not just what makes us good, but what fundamentally makes us human. Josephine's witty book has the puppet firing off life's big questions, only to promptly interrupt any profound answers with a yelled, "I'm hungry!"
Full-Tilt Fun and Soaring Harmonies
Under Sean Holmes's meticulous direction, the 14-strong ensemble delivers a masterclass in high-energy storytelling. The villains Pinocchio encounters are a delight: Kerry Frampton and Lucy McCormick are deliciously dastardly as the scheming Fox and Cat. A standout performance comes from Steven Webb, who doubles as the campy, long-suffering Giacomo Cricket and the genuinely terrifying Coachman who kidnaps wayward boys.
The cast excels at Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu's inventive choreography and delivers gorgeous, soaring harmonies throughout. Jim Fortune's eclectic score, which races from rock'n'roll and ska to pop and blues, provides a catchy soundtrack. The lyrics, co-written by Fortune and Josephine, are witty and often poignant, though occasionally the pace makes them tricky to catch in the expansive Globe space.
Meta-Theatrical Magic and a Deeper Connection
The production cleverly embraces the inherent barminess of Collodi's tale and the unique, playful atmosphere of the Globe itself. It frequently breaks the fourth wall, with characters offering meta-theatrical asides to the audience. One perfect moment sees Pinocchio's puppeteers duck down as the puppet proudly insists he is moving all by himself.
Beyond Pinocchio's transformation, the musical's most significant success is charting Geppetto's parallel journey from a nervous, solitary craftsman to a fully-fledged, loving father. This added layer provides the story's emotional core, reinforcing that our humanity is ultimately defined by connection and care for one another.
Pinocchio runs at Shakespeare's Globe in London until 4 January, offering a fast-paced, funny, and ultimately heartwarming theatrical experience for the whole family.
