Jo Turbitt reviews Shona Reppe's latest production, and manages to have a few words with her as well.
Bring your curiosity and the deductive insight of Poirot: this show is entertaining, curious and riddled with gorgeous puppetry theatrics.
Shona Reppe is a compelling performer. She has a presence onstage like that of a sumptuous relaxing melody; playing the role of the scrapbook fanatic doctor, her calm energetic persona draws you in and carries you with her as she investigates clues and discovers hidden treasures which add up to tell the tale of a fascinating story involving love and raisins.
There were moments where I thought I was watching a live broadcast of a CBBC show. Her charismatic quirkiness resonates in the storytelling with a script peppered with humour and magic. The kids loved it, as did the adults; there truly is a bundle of luscious scraps here for everyone.
When asked about the show, Reppe has a look of joy and pride in her eyes. Like every creative artist, her personal investment in the show is mammoth. However, unlike others, she has a humble approach to it and is keen to rework, redevelop and reinvestigate the potential of the piece. Working with an original story, self-written to then be turned into a scrapbook was a hurdle for her. Creating her own logic with confusing sections to then be resolved was aided, however, by watching many crime dramas; the result being a show was can be succinctly described as CSI for kids. Awesome.
Directed by Jill Robertson, Reppe's show is brilliant to watch. Robertson has captured what Reppe wanted and has moulded the piece beautifully. Accompanied by a score from composer Danny Krass and visuals by Jonathan Charles, this show is a must see for everyone.
The Scrapbook of Josephine Bean tours Scotland until November 26.
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