Angie Johnson reviews Oxford Touring Theatre's production of The Firebird

There is no mistaking the Russian influence on Oxfordshire Touring Theatre Companys new show. Jane Buckler's adaptation of The Firebird respects the traditional folk tale of the magical bird that can bring both good and bad fortune to whoever captures it while infusing it with a fun and accessible telling that is perfect for young audiences.

The play tells of Ivan, a boy set to guard the Czar's orchard. Unfortunately, the Firebird wants the apples and enchants him into falling asleep. Ivan manages to catch her but lets her go because she will die in captivity. In return, he is given three magic feathers.

Then he sets out on a journey to track the magical bird down again through the dangerous forest. There he makes friends and enemies, including a toothless wolf, a princess and an evil wizard, Koshchei the Deathless.

It is a tale with lots of adventure and the characters all learn valuable lessons. But the reason why it is so entertaining is largely down to the enthusiastic cast of four whose playful performances are a delight. Elliot Quinn as the Wolfie is a hoot.

But also contributing to the success are an imaginative staging and excellent songs, which move the plot along while sharing the hopes, fears and dreams of the characters.

A particular delight is the lovely singing voice of Cassie Hubert as the Princess.

The Firebird is an excellent production for village halls, and OTTC will be bring their show to the following venues: s=7Tonight and tomorrow, Pegasus Theatre, Oxford, Tuesday, West Oxford Primary School, Wednesday, Piddington Village Hall, Thursday, Chilton Village Hall, Friday, December 8, Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall, Saturday, December 9, New Beaconsfield Hall, December 12, Watlington Memorial Hall, December 13, Longworth Village Hall, December 14, Kingston Lisle Village Hall, December 15, Morris Memorial Hall, December 16, Stonesfield Village Hall, December 19, St Peter's Church, Didcot, December 20, Dorchester Village Hall, December 21, Tetsworth Village Hall, December 22, Kingham Village Hall, December 23, Harwell Village Hall. January 2, Duns Tew Village Hall, January 3, Barton Neighbourhood Centre, January 4, Sutton Courtenay Village Hall, Fri 5 Bradwell Village Hall, Sat 6 Shutford Village Hall, Tue 30 Lains Barn, Wantage, Wed 31 Lains Barn, Wantage. February Thu 1 Benson Parish Hall, Fri 2 Great Milton Village Hall, Sat 3 Tackley Village Hall, Tue 6 Faringdon Corn Exchange, Wed 7 Woodstock CE School, Thu 8 The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury Fri 9 Cassington Village Hall, Sat 10 Langford Village Hall.