What is the Lorax? A show about a guy in a tree, but is it for me?
Yes it is! Helping children to understand what it means to care for our environment is not easy, but Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax does just that. Dr Seuss said that it was his favourite book, among the many that he wrote, and it is easy to see why. It tells the tale of the Lorax, a being that arrives to protect the trees from the greedy Once-ler. Dr. Seuss said: “The Lorax came out of my being angry. In the Lorax I was out to attack what I think are evil things and let the chips fall where they might.”
The story is not an angry, though; it is a funny and thoughtful tale about a gentle but cantankerous critter who tries to make mankind realise the damage they are doing to the environment by cutting down, in this case, the Truffula Trees, to make Thneeds.
Now the Old Vic Theatre has created a stage version of this wonderful children’s book, and the Lorax’s message can be brought to life for another generation of children. The empowering tale ends with a glimmer of hope: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not,” says the Once-ler, who has realised his mistake too late. The Once-ler then gives the boy the last Truffula seed and tells him to plant it, saying that if the boy grows a whole forest of the trees and keeps them protected from logging, “the Lorax, and all of his friends may come back.”
Adapted by David Greig and brought to the stage by acclaimed director Max Webster (James and the Giant Peach, To Kill a Mockingbird, Twelfth Night), The Lorax blends theatrical invention, puppetry, songs and zany humour in a timely and vibrant Christmas show with a message for grown-ups and children alike. The show is recommended for children of 6 and older.
The Old Vic Theatre is situated on The Cut, on the south side of the Thames, a short walk from Southwark tube station, and there are lots of great places to take children to eat nearby. There are performances at 3pm and 7pm, from Friday 4th December to Saturday 16th January.
For more information about the play, and tickets, visit: www.oldvictheatre, or watch the trailer at: https://youtu.be/bYCq95f2n6w
Ages 14 and under: 50% off Monday-Thursday performances, and Saturday matinees. Price Band A reduced to £30, and Price Band B reduced to £25.
