Wombat Stew

 This colourful and vibrant show takes an Australian Children’s Litterature classic written by Marcia K Vaughan and turns it into an all-singing all dancing educational escapade.  

 Garry Ginivan Attractions Enmore Theatre, Sydney Friday, 11 June, 2010  This colourful and vibrant show takes an Australian Children’s Litterature classic written by Marcia K Vaughan and turns it into an all-singing all dancing educational escapade. The sets are eye-catching and the musical numbers are more often up-tempo than not. 
Of particular note is the casts ability to engage with the demographic that is a hard ask at the best of times however seemes effortless here. Theie enthusiasm and willingness to excite, even had this reviewer on the edge of his seat just a hair away from running to the front of the  theatre to join in the fun.
Numbers such as ‘We Can’t Do The Tale Without The Tail’ and ‘Bug Conga’ are particuarly memorable. The musical score is generally a toe-tapping affair that keeps this hour-long show   rolling along so well that you almost wish it went longer, however the duration is perfectly tailored to the attention-span of the children. In a packed theatre of school children, this reviewer only noticed two children lose focuss on the entertainment during the piece with the rest eagarly transfixed and bopping along. 
Our ‘lead’ actor (James Stafford) who plays the Dingo and the raginging thespian of the bunch is  endearingly funny and adds the most “adult” focus to the piece. His camp approach to the character provides a nice balance between childish humour and grown up nuances.  On this occasion Stafford was struck with technical difficulties that would have otherwise hindred his performance, if had not been for his quick thinking and focus to continue on with the show, until the issue could be rectified. Even when his phsyicality was hindered he was still able to perform seemingly unphased by the impediment.
Elenor Adams who played the Emu, deserves a special mention, for her transformation into said Emu wich is also a credit to the cotume department. He colourful and elegant garb is the most eye-catching of them all.
Tim Paige, who plays the Echidna is the youngest of our actors and is written for pure comic relief. His brief scenes are well handled and the one song he has largely to himself shows great promise for his acting talents and future prospects.
Garry Young has written and directed a stellar piece of entertainment that transcends its “for children” label and washes over it’s audience with ease. 
Wombat Stew is written for young and old alike and delivers entertainent for both. Touring nationally, until October 20th, this is one school trip you’ll want to tag along to, and tap along to, in this “choewy, gooey” production.