THE LITTLE PRINCE at the Cockpit

Cast of The Little Prince: photos Robert Piwko

OK, so I have to put my hand up here. ‘The Little Prince’ is my favourite book of all time. I have read and re-read it; have listened intently umpteen times to Kenneth Branagh’s reading; have seen it performed at London’s Coliseum Theatre and Luca Silvestrini’s production (Protein) at Watford and loved both. So, how will this shape up? Will I add this to my cherished Little Prince folder. Absolutely. It was utterly charming and entirely suited to the very young audience.

On this occasion, I took with my 6 year old grandson. Now, because I had taken his older sister to the London Coliseum production, (which she loved), it was his turn to imbibe on The Little Prince. It would also be interesting to see his reaction to this production of the story that we had read before our visit.

Liminal Space Theatre Company has brought this adaptation to London’s Cockpit theatre after its first season at The Tower Theatre, London. This would be quite different from those I had seen previously, with a multi skilled ensemble, puppetry, physical theatre movement and projection. Couldn’t wait and am not sure who was more excited – the grandson or me!

A story which can be taken on so many levels. At its core, there is an aviator who has crash-landed in the Sahara desert, where he meets a young child, a prince, who has left his asteroid to search for companionship and has travelled many miles through space to an array of asteroids, seeking experience, friendship and knowledge. The young prince has an innocence and beauty, seeing things through un-spoilt eyes and whose ethereal beauty transcends the ugliness and self gratuitous greed of those who hold power. In his travels he has met many strange characters and been on many asteroids seeking to understand the ways of those adults who live there and whose logic confounds him. His generosity and altruism touch the heart of the Aviator who learns much through the openness and magical spirit of the little Prince.

Based on this wondrous story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s and adapted by Paul Graves and Angharad Ormond, the production retained the core element of the story through the clear expressive narration of the aviator. The creativity of its own special galaxy with twirling planets, lighting and projections, song and dance complemented the magic of the tale entirely. We were spellbound. Each detail was presented – a chalkboard screen along the width of the stage on which the drawing demanded by the little Prince was created. Not wanting to spoil it for those who have not yet read this story, the noted drawing is of a snake and an elephant and how childhood innocence sees so much more than cynical adulthood. The effects continued, and the chalkboard created further scenes with useful drawings of desert sand, or aircraft damage and projections of a multitude of figures that helped to create the images of the journey in the limited confines of the space and to raise even further the interest of those young onlookers.

Photo Robert Piwko

Each rotating planet was coloured in vivid shades with my grandson guessing which would feature in its turn. Puppetry came into its own creating great effects. My grandson was transfixed. Dance was likewise imaginative, allowing the fluid movement of the snake and the spirited movement of the fox. And of course we must mention the rather vain but terribly vulnerable red rose, alone on the Little Prince’s asteroid. In true French haute couture fashion, she selected her bright red costume and sang her soul filled song, quite beautiful.

Photo Robert Piwko

I guess I was possibly the oldest person in the audience, but watching this I could stand alongside the beautiful Prince and share his world, his vision. His philosopy was faultless. Why do we rush around, simply to save a few minutes. But then, what do we actually do with those few minutes saved. Ah, tell that to many an angry driver who uses his car as a weapon. Just to breathe, to slow down, to view differently the world around us.

I envy that youthful innocence, the endless curiosity, the joyful generosity. The production scored on every level. It too was innocent, generous, inclusive and welcoming. Very different from those I have watched before, but nevertheless enchanting and exciting for the young children whose initial foray into theatre will be influenced by the magic of the last 70 minutes.

My true acid test. Would it make me shed a tear at its close. I have always gulped emotionally at the close of this story, be it through my own reading, or Kenneth Branagh’s or the different productions I have seen. Indeed, yes. Wiping away a tear at the end. Goodness, it never fails to move me and Liminal did not break the spell. Thank you for that.

The cast worked as one, each taking their role and mutually supporting. Especially joyful were the moments at the end when they took the trouble to speak to some of the young audience. A fabulous experience for these children (and for the grown ups too).

Oh yes, forgot to say, the grandson loved it too! And we talked about it all the way home that lovely evening as we sat together on the Metropolitan Line train.

Show Image by Isaac Insley

Wednesday 9 to Saturday 12 April 2025 – 7.00pm plus matinees at 3.00pm on the 10th, 11th and 12th.

Running time 70 minutes, no interval