Rebecca A Withey: Review of Derby Theatre’s Three Billy Goats Gruff (BSL)

Truth be told, the story of the three goats and the troll is not one that I remember well from my childhood. I have vague memories of the tale of a terrifying troll who protects his bridge from the goats who dare to stomp across it, but nothing more. So I was intrigued as to how the story would be told in this latest family production by Derby Theatre, Hiccup Theatre and Polka Theatre Production.

Written and directed by Sarah Brigham,the show features well known deaf actors Caroline Parker and Alex Novak alongside Laura Goulden (a BSL using hearing actor,) Esme Sears and Ivan Stott.

I have seen several shows at Derby Theatre and it is fantastic to see their ongoing commitment to accessibility and awareness with their family productions always being BSL integrated, captioned and/or interpreted.

Three Billy Goats Gruff seemed to go a step further awareness-wise as the actors explained at the very start how the show would be audio-described ‘for friends who need to be told what action is taking place’ and that it would also be captioned for ‘friends who need to see what is being said.’ The actors also explained how the audience would see sign language being used. This nod to normalising access and explaining the reasons for it for children was really heartwarming to see.

The theme of awareness was also weaved into the script with deaf actor Alex Novak repeatedly asking his hearing co-star to ‘voice me please’ so he could be fully understood by a non-signing character.

Going back to the actual plot, in the show we meet checkpoint Billy and his team who decide who can pass through a certain area. The idea at the beginning seemed to be that only certain people could pass through the checkpoints. As the story progresses and the wandering three goats arrive at a beautiful bridge, we understand that the hungry goats simply want to cross the bridge to get food, water and new land to live on.

The show made use of masks and puppetry to depict the Troll’s grotesque form and actors Laura Goulden and Ivan Stott did a stellar job working together to portray a spoilt, selfish, childish Troll. Debating with the goats as to why they couldn’t cross his bridge, the story also created the notion of Goat Sign Language with the Troll complaining that he “didn’t want signing goats on his field or he would feel left out.” When the goats suggested they teach him Troll Sign Language, they were then able to happily pass.

Featuring unusual costumes and inventive puppetry, all of the actors gave their all in a cheerful and jolly performance. Esme Sears and Caroline Parker worked well together on a memorable melancholic signed song and the musical energy from Ivan Stott was particularly sweet.

The clear use of sign language throughout the show was also testament to the hard work and creative insight from BSL consultant Donna Mullings.

Whilst the tale of the three billy goats might not be the most memorable compared to other traditional fables, Sarah Brigham’s writing managed to transform it into a story about going on new adventures, striving for equality and being accepting of other people’s differences.

At just an hour long the production was a lovely little taste of theatre for young children and their families and with a beautiful set by Rachana Jadhav, I’m certain that this time around the story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff will not be a forgettable one.

You can find out more about the show and other productions here.

Photography credit Graeme Braidwood.