Robinson Crusoe the Lost Jedi Knight

115270 original

Three Stars

This interactive and action-packed sci-fi extravaganza is designed to appeal to "kids who don’t want to just sit still and watch". The main aim of the show is to ensure that every child gets a turn on stage. But this imperative over-complicates the writing and the resulting story is weak and often confusing. The acting is hammy and at times a lack of vocal projection makes the show difficult to comprehend.

Visually, the show is the theatrical equivalent of Laser Quest. Set to dramatic sound effects and the familiar ominous Star Wars timpani, lightsabers slice through the smoke-filled space, the ultraviolet light illuminating the audience's toothy grins. Although young, many are obviously already Star Wars fanatics.

This show will undoubtedly be a success, albeit catering for a niche audience. There is an abundance of physical interaction, which helps to involve restless children and make onlooking parents proud. However, this is too often at the expense of any mental and emotional engagement with the play itself. [Louise Black]

Three Stars

If you are a fan of Star Wars and ready to get up on stage then this show is for you. The story is set on a lost planet where Crusoe the Jedi Knight races against Darth Umbrack to find the Crystal of Vengeance. The audience are encouraged to join in, with plenty of opportunity to get up onstage. It might not appeal so much to over-10s, but the young boys in the audience really enjoy taking part. The lighting and music add to the effect and at some points the audience get props to join in.

The actors get great reactions from the audience, although occasionally they speak over each other, making it hard to understand them. The costumes were good, especially the monsters, but the set doesn’t change throughout the play. After a while you do begin to think that the play is a bit long and they could have made it shorter. [Eilidh Saville]