Fringe First for Chris Goode's MONKEY BARS

Congratulations to Chris Goode who has won a Fringe First for his acclaimed Edinburgh show, MONKEY BARS.

For this innovative and revelatory verbatim show, Chris asked thirty 8 - 10 year olds about their lives, their thoughts, their observations and fears.

In the production, their words are spoken by adult actors.  Not adults playing children, but adults playing adults, in everyday adult situations.  The results are startling.  This is also the first production from Chris Goode & Company.

Set design for the production is courtesy of Naomi Dawson, with lighting by Colin Grenfell.

MONKEY BARS transfers to the Unicorn Theatre in London on 25th Sept until 30th Sept.

A rapid-fire discussion about favourite sweets becomes a po-faced job interview; a chat about dreams takes place on the psychotherapist’s couch; a girl talks about the inspirations for her stories like a bestselling author on stage at a book festival.

If it sounds cute, it certainly is in parts but Goode’s production, featuring his trademark atmospheric soundtrack, is beautifully pitched. On a fluid set of glowing, giant white building blocks, the children’s words are performed with just the right mix of humour and seriousness by an accomplished cast.

***** The Independent