Mantel's tale fascinates and captivates, but only once the true story of Pi's adventures begins. Much of the build-up to the eventual cause of Pi's shipwrecked moment is a little tiresomely told on stage from the actors in the show and only when the true stagecraft begins and the animals also reign, does this show spark into life.
At its centre is a tremendous performance by Divesh Subaskaran as Pi, in a tour which also heralds his professional stage debut. He is at ease on stage and as a performer. Of the cast, he shines brightly beyond many of the other caricatured, and often very stereotyped characters the actors portray.
The Royal Bengal Tiger, controlled by Sebastian Goffin, Akash Heer, Romina Hytten, Katie Kennedy-Rose and Aizah Khan, is the true star of the animals. Powerful and strong in movement, and having all the characteristics of a true cat in motion (except one hugely funny scene later in the play, where the movement becomes more clever and comic).
Also, an incredible piece of work is Tim Hatley's set, a living breathing entity in itself, creating throughout Pi's journey, a hospital room, a vivid gorgeously alive marketplace, a cargo ship and finally the boat Pi finally finds himself upon. With swift set changes, all are created expertly.
Life of Pi is very much a visual show, lacking in quality during the early scenes, and far from an acting masterclass in general. However, what is lacking there is given back in the beauty of both stagecraft and the stunning animals. A vivid tale, well realised.
With tremendous stage and puppetry, Martel's spellbinding novel becomes a magical theatre spectacle.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
