The Firework-Maker's Daughter, Newcastle Theatre Royal

ANYTHING boasting fireworks in the title has to produce pyrotechnics at some point... and the audience isn't left disappointed with an explosive finale to a constantly humorous family show.

Up to that point, the lively cast had mainly acted out the explosive effects, with Amanda Lawrence amusing as a fuse disappointed with the damp squibs made by Lila (Ayesha Antoine). Young actress Antoine has plenty to do as the firework-maker's daughter who decides to travel to the Fire Fiend's grotto in search of royal sulphur to make her creations truly magical. Philip Pullman's book allows Stephen Russell's adaptation to sparkle constantly and the combined efforts of the Lyric Hammersmith and the Told By An Idiot company provide a creative cast and clever multi-trapdoor set.

Two other marathon roles are those of Chulak (Mo Zainal) who is desperate to save Lila with the help of while elephant Hamlet (Malcolm Ridley). Lucian Msamati adds a third comedy element as Rambashi the hopeless entrepreneur and pirate.

Basic props and clever mime bring Lila's long journey over seas, jungle and mountains to life and there's barely a pause in the action for plot purposes.

This might be unusual entertainment straight after the panto parade but the authorities haven't banned stage fireworks in February just yet.

* Runs until Saturday. Box Office: 0870 905 5060

Viv Hardwick

Published: 03/02/2005