The Vanishing Elephant
Buxton Opera House’s production of The Vanishing Elephant - a co-production with Cahoots NI - is a mesmerising blend of puppetry, music, and spectacle that leaves a lasting impression.
Brilliantly written by Charles Way and directed by Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, The Vanishing Elephant tells the story of the lifelong bond between a Bengali boy, Opu, and an Asian elephant named Janu from childhood joy to painful exploitation. Separated by time, continents, and fortune, their intertwined fates eventually lead them back together during Harry Houdini’s infamous 1918 ‘Vanishing elephant’ trick in New York.
During the play, Janu the elephant ‘vanishes’ three times, and this is brilliantly visualised through the changing of the puppet from a shadow in a box to eventually a full-sized Indian elephant, complete with realistic movement and sound. The puppetry is the beating heart of this performance. Helen Foan’s puppets, which she designed, including a tiger, are captivating and realistic, and combined with skilled puppeteers, Janu’s journey is brought to life in a joyous and, at times, heart-breaking way.
The cast is comprised of a small group of eight incredibly talented actors and puppeteers who seamlessly change roles, highlighted by clever and subtle costume changes and accents. Opu, the lead, is played by Adi Chugh, whose effortless and heartfelt performance must be commended, as he charts Opu’s journey from a child in India to his final scenes with Janu in New York as an old man.
The stage design is minimal but effective and the set is cleverly transformed throughout, including a circus to train carriages. The Vanishing Elephant is set to a stirring score of music by Pallavi MD and exceptional choreography by Jayachandran Palazhy, which weave Indian and western influences together, accented by live vocals.
The Houdini finale is triumphant and brings the performance to an emotional close. Janu, alongside Opu, ‘vanishes’ for the final time in an illusion which is bound to bring a tear to your eye.
The Vanishing Elephant is a storytelling gem and a rare blend of spectacle and substance - perfect for families, adults, and lovers of theatre alike. A production you will carry with you long after the curtain falls.
Tickets: https://buxtonoperahouse.org.uk/event/the-vanishing-elephant
"A visual spectacle, sure to leave a tear in your eye"
DerbyDaysOut.co.uk
