Keswick on a cold January morning, shivering in thin winter sunlight. A short walk through Ashness Wood where we look down at the bright waters of Derwentwater before a hearty picnic of cheese sandwiches, Christmas cake and fresh pineapple chunks.
Then a brief drive to the lakeside and we buy tickets to see The Firework Maker's Daughter by Philip Pullman at the Theatre by the Lake. We take our seats at the very back of the auditorium and look at the assortment of bronze gongs and xylophones at the sides of the stage that make up the gamelan orchestra. Despite the distance from the stage our lofty perch allows us to see all the action, although seats at the front would certainly mean we would see the actors' expressions more easily. The house lights dim and we watch expectantly as the gamelan players start to create an oriental setting with their instruments. Young dancers shimmy across the stage and we are transported far away to Indonesia where Lila is trying to wheedle the secret of firework making from her father Lalchand. Her quest to find Royal Sulphur takes her on a long and dangerous journey to the Emerald Lake and the volcano at Mount Merapi. Along the way she is helped by Hamlet, a talking elephant, and a motley crew of would-be pirates who provide plenty of comedy.
Two hours later and we are discussing our favourite bits over chips on the way home. We love the shadow imagery at the back of the stage - tall umbrellas, pagodas, palm trees, Chinese lanterns all conjured up in light and shade. The funny pirates. And the soundtrack of discordant gongs and cymbals as well as barbershop harmonies and the gentle vocals made by the actors visiting the lakeside home of the Goddess. Sam is still singing snatches of "A Million Rupee Idea" as we get home. All in all a very good start to 2012 and a lovely way to spend a bank holiday Monday. Who needs the West End?
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| Ashness Bridge |
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| Looking across Derwentwater to Catbells |
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