Attention, children of all ages! There is something magical going on and you must see it.

The magic involves a dying kingdom and its king; a brave son named Ivan and his Princess Yelyena; a talking raven; Vanya, an even more talkative wolf; a horse with a mane of moonlight, an evil wizard and the exquisite Firebird.

What's magical about the battle they engage in to save the world is that all of these enchanting characters are played by only two actors, Gill Nathanson and Bill Buffery from England's Multi Story Theatre Company. (The are also the creators of "Earthly Delights", a mythical tale for adults that is as splendid in its way as is "The Firebird").

They are utterly convincing in their multi-roles and they do it with a minimal number of simple props - a cape effects the transformation from Wise Woman of the Wild Woods to Princess, a Russian hat turns Princess into wolf.

Buffery's voice is an admirable tool and he uses it to propel this rich narrative of loss and salvation.

The afternoon I saw "The Firebird" the Studio was filled with parents and kids who sat mesmerized throughout the hour it takes for this enchanting tale to unfold. Full of music and wit and charm, this is children's theatre at its best. "The Firebird" is completely entertaining.
Robert Enright CBC Winnipeg

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Bill Buffery's adaptation adds the sparkle that lifts this out of the ordinary to make it a memorable production. There are wonderful tasks, journeys and battles, and all are created with a deceptive simplicity that provides a classic example of how a production should be staged.

There are thrills and dangers but it's never too scary, just enthralling. A treat for all ages, this tale of the Tsar's stolen apples turns into a golden delicious afternoon out: don't miss it.
The Stage

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Staff and children thoroughly enjoyed the theatre. We were talking about it for days afterwards. Parent feedback has been very positive.  We particularly enjoyed the characterisation, the clever use of narrative and 'voice'. The action. And the pace, humour, enjoyment and commitment of the players.
Russell First School, MK

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There are a few safe bets in the unknown world of Fringe theatre and the UK's multi story theatre is one of them. The duo known for plays like Surviving Bluebeard and Messing With Medea are back with two shows this year, and audiences couldn't be happier. Though The Firebird is rated as general/family in the program, the majority of the people in the crowd at Saturday's matinee were adults.

The Firebird is an updated take on a classic Russian tale with a Prince battling to save his ailing father and finding love in the process. Bill Buffery and Gill Nathanson turn in superb performances as a myriad of animal and human characters. Their simple props are beautifully effective and the humorous interpretation of the characters easily held the crowd's attention despite the oppressive heat.
Anna Lazowski. Winnipeg Free Press

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Warming the audience before the performance with easy on the ear music made everyone receptive to Multi Story Theatre's production of "The Firebird" last Thursday at Low Hesket Village Hall. With fast action, physical and verbal, Gill Nathanson and Bill Buffery soon had young and old alike enthralled by this traditional tale of daring, dastardly deeds and love. An old Tzar lies dying, the secret of his health lies with the capture of the magical firebird, which also appears to be robbing him of his life by the theft of the golden apples. Through a series of testing adventures, the Tzar's youngest son, with the help of other magical beasts, gets the girl and wins the day, to find himself crowned Tzar on the death of his father. For here we have not just a simple story but the whole of life's pattern laid out as the seasons of the year, the cycle of death and rebirth, the stewardship of planet earth.

Many layered, "The Firebird" held something special for all ages, slapstick humour for the youngest, belly laughs for the early teens and more subtle humour for the adults. Bravery and facing your fears stood back to back with love and duty; treachery and bullying with friendship and loyalty.

Played on a set of deceptive simplicity, the many characters were portrayed by puppets, lightening costume changes and the chameleon like attributes of the actors. Gill's extremely mobile face caused many a giggle to relieve ever-mounting tension whilst Bill swapped the soft innocence of Ivan, the Tzar's youngest son, for the swaggering arrogance of Peter the eldest in the twinkling of an eye.

Paced fast, "The Firebird" was compulsive, ideal for an audience used to television and the many powerful visual images stayed in the mind after the show was over, to be revisited in moments of quiet recollection.

Brought to Low Hesket by North Pennine Highlights, Multi Story Theatre also held a workshop at Shap School on Friday, with a show at The Memorial Hall on Friday evening.
Peter Dicken  Cumberland & Westmoreland Herald

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It was utterly brilliant and all the children were fascinated. There were lots of things thet they loved - the comedy moments that relaxed them; the pace, which meant they were never bored; the changing characters that made them pay attention; the strong story line that supported their understanding; the clear dialogue and brilliant props absolutely fascinated them. There was also, perhaps particularly, an absolutely right 'pitch' at KS2, but the whole production entranced our youngest children too. We have lots of feedback from the children.

As a teacher, I loved it for me and for the insights it gave me about myself as well as the children and the ways they responded, some expected and some totally unexpected.
Foxton Primary School

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Staff quotes:

‘The children were mesmerised’

‘All age groups were totally engaged’

‘Just the kind of thing to spend PTFA funds on – you benefit every child in the school!’

‘They created real tension and atmosphere – great physical performance too!’

‘I liked the Talk back. Children asked some really interesting questions – ideas that went beyond the actual performance...’

‘I loved that they played all the parts – and I loved the set – so simple but effective…’

'More of the same please – we love the repertoire and the skills on show.it gives us so much to work with!'

'Very pleased to have been able to offer this for the children and hope to make it a regular event – a ‘go to’ option for all sorts of extra-curricular events.'
Fremington Primary School

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