Urban Life
Childhood mistakes revisited
02Jul08
Harriet Dyer and Sebastian Lamour star in Second Childhood at the New Theatre. Picture: DANNY AARONS
WHAT do you do if you're a kid who discovers you've had a past life and done stuff you're not particularly proud of?
You go back and fix it, of course.
Director Lyndelle Green brings Morris Gleitzman's funny and imaginative novel, Second Childhood, to the stage and gives children and adults alike something to smile about in the school holidays.
Mark's father has always wanted him to be a 'somebody'. But, unless Mark does better at school, he'll end up a 'nobody'. Then Mark and his school mates discover that they've lived before and, not only that, they were famous and important.
So Henry Ford, John Batman, Elizabeth Kenny and Phar Lap decide to go back and try to make up for their mistakes.
Ford has to atone for car emissions, Phar Lap for gambling and Batman for mistreating Aboriginal people.
"These children want to save the world and make it a better place," Green said. "They believe they can do anything.
"They are so wide-eyed, (whereas) we get a bit cynical."
The 14-year-old characters are played by adults from 19 to 27.
Green said the production was a joy to direct.
"It's been a lot of fun putting it together. We've become kids.
"We've been talking about what kids do; sharing stories and playing games as kids."
Green said it was about optimism and viewing life through children's eyes.
"It's about encouraging kids that they all are somebody. Everybody has something to offer. If you want to make a difference or do something you can."
The New Theatre has a well-deserved reputation for pulling some rabbits out of hats with past shows like James and the Giant Peach and Badjelly the Witch.
This one is aimed at children in years four to seven.
But Green said the "big kids" out there would enjoy the larger-than-life characters and comic situations too.
"Get the kids out for the holidays, see a fun show that's full of life and extremely positive and fun," she said.
SECOND CHILDHOOD
Where: New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown
When: July 9 to July 19, Wednesday to Saturday 7pm, matinee Saturday 1pm and Sunday 5pm (show is 80 minutes long)
Bookings: 1300 306 776 or www.mca-tix.com
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