Neither pantomime nor nativity play, this captivating Little Angel Christmas production in association with Kneehigh, presents some seasonal ethics about church, banks and humanity.

Inspired by a Gabriel Garcia Marquez short story, Annamaria Murphy has re-imagined the tale; keeping the flamboyancy of Marquez with references to his other short stories and magic realist imagery, she introduces a few contemporary characters. The symbolism of a small community setting up shop to make a bob or three from the tourists is neatly transposed from South America to a 1950’s Southwest of England.

Set against the grey green tones of Cornwall, this is a tale of a violent storm, a crab infestation in a coastal town, and the arrival of a very old man with enormous wings. Is he an angel come to take the soul of a sick baby, or a freak of nature? The baby recovers and a miracle is declared; crowds flock to the town to ‘take the cure’ for an entry fee of course. The only character in the play with a connection and a concern for the old man, trapped in a chicken coop, is the recovered baby who has grown into a young boy. He quietly waits for the opportunity to engineer an escape.

Set design, original music and puppetry are imaginative, inventive and full of surprises, from the ‘suspended in animation’ cycling blue messenger boy, to the army of crabs, and the choir boy tones of the priest. The design concept of smaller crowd/chorus figures and larger protagonists is a clever dramatisation. Musical soundtrack by Benji Bower is a mix of shanty, bossa nova and waltz. The lust of the whole community for verification of a miracle, so that they can make more money and a literally ‘defrocked’ priest are stark illustrations of the perils of making money. Of course no Christmas show is complete without a clear villain of the piece, and what could be more topical than a money eating banker with an ever inflating stomach.

Finally freed by his friend, the old man makes his escape from the rooftops. A sense of balance and forgiveness seems restored to the village once they lose their source of revenue. His departure is followed by a stunning closing scene of a Sea of Angels. Every miracle will have its day and every hawker will move on to next opportunity, both the greedy, the ordinary and divinely ordained humans are susceptible to temptation – yet there is humanity within the story.

Presented by the Little Angel Theatre in association with Kneehigh

Runs until 29 January 2012 - see Full Listings for full details.

Bryony Hegarty