Ed Fringe 2010: The Mole who knew it was none of his business – C Venues
Writer: Werner Holzwarth & Wolf Erlbruch
Adaptor/Director: Bernie Byrnes
Original Music: Jim Fowler
Reviewer: John Roberts
The Public Reviews Rating: 
What would you do, if you woke one morning and found out that someone had done a poo on your head…probably exactly what Mole did in this nicely crafted children’s musical adaptation of Holzwarth & Erlbruch’s book; find out who did it.
Described as a “Poodunit for Children” – Kipper Tie Theatre Company’s production is a warm and enjoyable experience. Simply staged with just a painted backcloth as scenery means that the performers need to really engage the children in the audience in order for the experience to really leap out and come to life.
Generally the three strong cast do an admirable job; Sally Lofthouse is a wide eyed and sprightly mole with one of the biggest smiles on stage. The anamorphic animals that mole encounters are played with great conviction by Tamaryn Payne whose Southern Texas Horse is a real treat and Stephanie Wilson who really shines as the slightly dim country Hare. However at times the energy of the production seemed a little lethargic in an almost mechanical going through the motions way. Perhaps a slightly different dynamic of having a male in the cast may bring something different to the proceedings?
Byrne’s adaptation is clever and manages to bring in plenty of originality into the show whilst keeping the original story very much intact; whilst Fowler’s music is catchy and educates the children on different styles of music very cleverly, it’s just a shame that at points the pre-recorded music is played so loudly that you have to strain to hear what is being sung – especially during The Pig’s Opera song.
Overall The Mole Who Knew It Was None Of His Business is an enjoyable and light-hearted children’s production with plenty going on to keep even the youngest of children engrossed. A pleasant way to start the Fringe theatre going day.
Tags: Bernie Byrnes, C Venues, Edinburgh Fringe 2010, Jim Fowler., Kipper Tie Theatre Company, Sally Lofthouse, Stephanie Wilson, Tamaryn Payne, The Mole who knew It was none of his business
