Lilly Through the Dark, a tale written and directed by Edward Wren, takes his production to the University Theatre at Bath Spa. This rare treat performed by The River People who have originated from Winchester University tell this modern day fairytale with lyrical, sometimes rhyming dialogue with singing tunes. Based on true events, a little girl Lilly, sacrifices herself at the beginning of the play to search for her father in the land of the dead, you see Lilly struggle as her memory fades and endures countless obstacles. .
It relies on four actors (Joseph Bone, claire Harvey, Andy Gray and Clare Ponting) who take it well as they set out in Victorian costume strongly resembling characters from a Tim Burton movie. It fits well with the genre of the Gothic as a delicate little puppet show filled with melancholic tones but still shows hints of hope. They all control the puppet Lilly at one point or another and brilliantly convey the sorrow that is created by loss but also inject humour and comedic effects e.g. when Lilly tries to cross a bridge, she comes across two characters much like Tweedledee and Tweedledum which keeps the mood from becoming too distressing.
The set is a visual delight as the actors are able to pop in and out of a pile of books which resonates the theme of storytelling and the dream like tone. Atmospheric musical accompaniment is present throughout which almost sweeps the audience into a dreamlike state.
It is no wonder that they have won countless awards including Time Out's critics choice and the Total Theatre award for best emerging company as the story, the music and the actors captivate the audience. Although the show is obviously too dark for children it is assured by the director that it is not a story about depression but a story of hope and that even though Lilly's story is dark (hence the name) it does withhold light at the end.
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