FANCY SPIDER STORY OF FRIENDSHIP

Who knew spiders could be so cute and entertaining? “Unweave and unwind” with four adorable and super entertaining spiders in technicolour tinsel outfits: Incy, Busy, Charlotte, and Fancy – a lovable spider with a big heart who just cannot make a web. Luckily her three friends are determined to help her achieve that goal. Only each of them has their own way of doing it, and Fancy’s ultra-creative approach is a bit too different.

Based on Rachel Burke's upcoming children's book, Fancy Long Legs features the author’s own costume and set designs. These are sparkly, frilly, and absolutely delicious! La Boite theatre’s arena staging makes the perfect space for this show. The performance includes an original soundtrack by songwriter, musician and Yuwi Burra woman, Waveney Yasso, complemented perfectly by the dazzling choreography that keeps you smiling all the way through the performance.

This show, adapted for stage by The Little Red Company's Naomi Price, is about acceptance and kindness. It celebrates individuality and creativity. Fancy is a bit fancy, but that is what makes her special. Isn’t there a bit of Fancy in each one of us? That is what makes us special in our own way. The kids in the audience need to be reassured of it, and the adults often need a little reminder. The relaxed atmosphere throughout the performance makes for an experience where everyone is comfortable: flexible seating, lighting in the audience, sensory warnings make sure that even very young viewers have an enjoyable time. You can even come down onto the stage and watch Fancy struggle with her web from right in front of the actors.

The show’s humour works on two levels: one for the little viewers and another for the parents. The jokes are always gentle and skillfully weaved (pun intended) into the many catchy songs that make up this all-ages musical. Slapstick and big acting for the kids are interspersed with intermittent references to pop stars, TV personalities, and current affairs.

The lively pace of the script is filled with every spider reference you can think of. An enormous amount of research and thought went into creating this show. Every line counts, and the characters are inspired by real-life spider traits, their collaborative tendencies vs their individuality, and even their different types of webs!

My favourite is the ‘Big Feelings’ part of the show. Everyone has “big feelings”, some of us deal with them better than others, and some are only learning to handle them. Fancy Long Legs shows that everyone has disagreements and different opinions are a normal part of life, but that our differences can be resolved in a thoughtful and kind way.

Fancy Long Legs makes a lasting impression long after its child-friendly 50-minutes are over. Uplifting, relatable, energising – it is a must see, with or without children!