The Parched Lament of Child Farrago

The Parched Lament of Child Farrago achieves top marks for originality, flare and intrigue.

Telling the baffling but enchanting story of the sometimes female, sometimes male Child Farrago’s adventure through life, the young actors make extraordinarily imaginative use of both the space and their bodies without ever becoming awkward or excessive.

With balloons and dolls, screaming and laughing, and lots of piggy back rides, the stage is filled with fascinating movement. There is a friendly, approachable and intelligent aspect to this play which remains equally enjoyable and confusing throughout.

Although the surreal narrative doesn’t always make sense, Babolin theatre company provides such an engaging visual spectacle that your eyes remain locked on the stage. But whilst keeping track of the various puppet dolls and smirking at the innocent humour it is all too easy for minds to wander, thinking more of Babolin’s good ideas than absorbing what they are trying to communicate.

Unfortunately the power of the play is lost among this preoccupation for satisfying the eye, but the potential of this young theatre company remains utterly apparent.