Opera review: Auntie Janet Saves the Planet

Published on Friday 19 June 2009 21:51

**** TRAVERSE, EDINBURGH

SCOTTISH Opera has made several forays into children's entertainment, all of which sneak opera in through the back door rather than hitting kids in the face with a full-bodied baritone. Auntie Janet Saves The Planet is no different, incorporating gentle music and song into a charming tale of animals in peril. Unlike their previous show, Bubble McBea, however, this was written for three- to six-year-olds, making it a marginally less satisfying "family" experience – but it was perfect for its target age group.

On arrival at the theatre, the young audience is decked out in fluffy ears and a face-painted nose – turning them into "the vole patrol". Marching into the performance space, strewn with cushions rather than seats, they have already become part of the action. Having sent each child a storybook and CD in advance, Scottish Opera gives them all a valuable heads-up. So when they encounter Auntie Janet the chicken, Sergeant George the hare and the rest of the gang, the characters are practically old friends.

It also facilitates the occasional spot of audience participation, with a bout of sing-a-long marching before they get restless. Although again, nothing here quite hits the spot like Bubble McBea, which was filled to the rafters with catchy tunes. And at one point, a character mimes to a pre-recorded tape – which feels akin to sacrilege coming from an opera company.

That aside, the environmental message of working as a team to save something precious is beautifully done. As is the subtle element of music education, with each character charged with finding a melody, harmony and rhythm to create the lively closing song.