A Peter Rabbit Tale
The Little Company, Singapore Repertory Theatre
25 February 2017
KC Arts Centre—Home of the SRT
24 February–14 April 2017

There could not be a better choice to celebrate The Little Company’s 15^th anniversary than a tale of Peter Rabbit feeling ill at ease in his own home and seeking out a new life to lead, only to find out that home is where he truly belongs.

While the Singapore Repertory Theatre did not start out as a children’s company, the string of hits by The Little Company—especially with its most recent and stunning staging of Charlotte’s Web—has shown that it is completely at home with children’s theatre.

By entrusting a whole musical to a cast of young actors, safe for the lead, A Peter Rabbit Tale serves as a confident declaration of its expertise.

Such a bold statement is certainly not hot air as the actors prove that performing for children is not a matter of being energetic while portraying good or bad guys. The actors in the supporting roles display a wonderful sense of versatility at every turn.

One should admire the contrasts between Benedict Hew’s playful portrayal of Benjamin Rabbit and the prim and proper Thomas; Siti Maznah’s doting mother and the rock goddess of a Mrs Tiggy-Winkle; and Yvonne Low and Ng Yulin playing Peter Rabbit’s cutesy sisters as compared to the adventurous pair of squirrels. Of course, there is never a dull moment with Joshua Gui as the titular character as he hops along on various adventures, trying to fit into the environment and lifestyles of different animals.

However, the show did suffer from a few minor weaknesses: the volume of the microphones is a little soft; Alison Neighbour’s set could have been a touch more elaborate than a carpet of green and several brown poles as trees; the sequences in which Peter Rabbit gets into trouble could be slightly more intense; and Sarah Brandt’s book could have given Peter Rabbit more material to realise that home is the best place for him to be.  

That said, these are trifling faults and one’s enjoyment is not adversely affected in any way, even for a pedantic audience member such as yours truly.

Happy Birthday to The Little Company indeed.

Other Reviews

“Light, entertaining children’s fare brings clear message that ‘there’s no place like home.’” by Christian W. Huber, Centre 42 Citizens’ Review

“Theatre for kids in Singapore: The HoneyKids review of A Peter Rabbit Tale by SRT’s The Little Company” by Tracy Tristam, HoneyKids Asia

“A Peter Rabbit Tale – Review” by Mum’s Calling

“A Peter Rabbit Tale Review” by Mabel, Amazingly Still

“A Peter Rabbit Tale– a light and heart warming tale” by My Preciouz Kids

“A Peter Rabbit Tale Musical Adventure for the family {Review & Giveaway}” by Susan, A Juggling Mom

“TLC ‘A Peter Rabbit Tale’ Review” by The Wacky Duo

“Review of A Peter Rabbit Tale“ by Angie Sim, Life’s Tiny Miracles

“A Peter Rabbit Tale — Review” by Our Parenting World