I Was a Rat
Old Fire Station Theatre, 10-14 May 2005

This interpretation of Philip Pullman's fairytale book, I Was a Rat, is the third production from the Original Sin production company. The cast of nine members manage successfully playing several different characters in each scene whilst also seeming to really enjoy the moment and the magic of the play.

Jack Farthing shines as the boy who once was a rat, scampering about the stage and gnawing on bits of rope whilst trying to learn about human etiquette and behaviour.

The story follows his journey through life: his initial encounter with a caring, parental couple is followed by a nasty short spell in a circus as the 'Rat Boy', then an Oliver Twist-type encounter with a Dickensian Fagan figure - and finally back to the loving home of the couple who want no commercial or financial gain from him.

The story evolves into a unique take on the Cinderella fairytale, the boy (Roger) having magically changed into a page boy in order to escort his princess friend to the ball. The princess, in turn, has also wished away her former simple lifestyle in order to become the beautiful princess who marries the prince. But when the fairy godmother figure doesn't reappear, both characters are stuck as boy and princess. They must come to terms with the consequences; learning who to trust, how to behave and above all, accepting their new lives.

The play was entertaining and could be enjoyed - like Pullmans' fiction - from either a child's or an adult's perspective. It was played for laughs with novelty acts thrown in (such as the impression of Tony Blair in a politician's speech, and modern the newsflashes interspersed throughout the narrative).

Be warned - sitting in the front few rows you are at risk of becoming involved in the play, as characters interact with spectators, offering them newspapers to buy in the Dickensian street scene, asking if they've seen Roger when he goes missing, and even offering chocolate mice to the audience during the interval!

Overall, this was overall a fun, light hearted performance that was very well received.

Chloe Anderson, 11.05.05