If you're interested in a seasonal trip to the ballet, but you're looking for something accessible for kids, Duck Pond, by the trailblazing Australian contemporary circus company blends romantic ballet with world-class circus and a little wackiness.
The name Duck Pond is a parody of Swan Lake, and this show is a mash-up of Tchaikovsky's ballet and Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale The Ugly Duckling.
I attended the opening night at the elegant Royal Festival Hall with my nine-year-old son Odhran, and we were wowed by the acrobatics. Performers somersaulted and flew through the air before being caught at the last moment, and hands and feet were placed on the shoulders and lower backs of contorted bodies to create human towers. At one point, there was a particularly tense moment and audible gasps from the audience when a formation became unsteady and there as a bit of tumble, but this served as a reminder and appreciation of the risks involved with these eye-popping acrobatics.
However, as fantastic as the dance and circus skills were, Odhran's enjoyment was hindered by the muddy narrative.
'So they're in a love triangle?' he whispered. 'Is this a show about rivalry?'
In the quiet theatre, I couldn't get into explaining the storyline, and felt I should have done so before the performance started.
If you're planning Christmas family day out, and thinking of taking a child to see Duck Pond, I suggest giving an outline of the story in advance - It is the night before the Prince's birthday, and friends, prospective partners and revellers engage in merry acrobatics. The Prince meets the Ugly Duckling, and with the help of Cupid, they fall in love. But how can a humble duck and a great prince be together? Then, a dazzling Black Swan enters and captivates the Prince. They are to be married. But something is amiss. By a lake, the Ugly Duckling turns into a magnificent swan, and the ending is one that left Odhran as surprised as it did the befuddled prince.
Blending elements of The Ugly Duckling with Swan Lake allowed for fun moments in the show, such as when an army of ducks waddled on stage, wearing yellow oversized clown pants and flippers, and carrying orange mops.
There were also some racy parts, including a scene where a female performer walks in red stilettos on the body of near-nude male performer, and at the end, where performers, stripped down to their underwear, strike somewhat suggestive but tongue-in-cheek poses, which Odhran found hilarious.
This show uses dance, acrobatics, music, lighting, and beautiful black shimmering costumes (except for the Ugly Duckling who is set apart with an off-white bodysuit and neck ruffle) to create a mood piece. But it's worth explaining to your child in advance that this is a performance without words - there's no speaking or singing.
It's 80 minutes long with no interval. So be sure to visit the loo before you take your seat! I'd recommend it for children aged 8+.
After the show, I asked Odhran his thoughts, and he said, 'It was impressive and funny in parts but I couldn't really follow the storyline.'
Duck Pond delivers laughs and wow moments, and a mash up of Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling is ingenious and certainly brings something a bit different to the London performance scenethis Christmas. But it needs a clearer narrative to keep kids fully engaged throughout.
Where: The Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 8XX
When: Now until 30 Dec
Price: Tickets from £20. Find out more here