Review - Fantastic Mr Fox at Milton Keynes Theatre

Normally in a show designed for children, special effects and production take centre stage.
The cast of Fantastic Mr FoxThe cast of Fantastic Mr Fox
The cast of Fantastic Mr Fox

But not this adaptation of Fantastic Mr Fox where very much the acting is bought to the forefront and from a relatively new cast, they are very impressive.

Based on the Roald Dahl book of the same name, it sees Mr Fox trying to outwit the farmers and provide food for a menagerie of animals.

There are some excellent performers, most noticeably from Greg Barnett in the title role who I am sure will go much further. There isn't a duff cast member but particular credit must go to Sandy Foster playing Rabbit for a delivering a joke that fortunately went far over the kids head that I suspected they may have been asking the adults what was so funny.

Greg Barnett in Fantastic Mr FoxGreg Barnett in Fantastic Mr Fox
Greg Barnett in Fantastic Mr Fox

It is a rather shame though that the production doesn't quite meet up to the standards of the acting. The set, while reasonably impressive, had several technical issues and the first half was littered with people coming on to the stage. It also lacks a little bit of colour, so perhaps it's a good thing that the acting is bright and colourful.

The songs are reasonably memorable but at the same time, I don't think I'd rush to buy the soundtrack.

But I can imagine this appealing to the dark and gruesome nature that children have had and there is plenty to appeal for all ages. Even the adults.