Young Critics Collective: Boxed In

Boxed In, presented by Daryl & Co. and Half Moon theatre company, is a show grounded in visual storytelling, that explores the unspoken rules of society in a way that is simple, and therefore engaging for children aged 3-6. The performance is primarily non-verbal, thus to maintain a lighthearted and playful atmosphere facial expressions and overexaggerated movements are essential, something done expertly by both performers, Daryl Beeton and Jonathan Van Beek. The emphasis is undoubtedly on fun, as the show utilises the dynamic between two delivery workers to demonstrate how people can interpret rules very differently.

Audiences enter to find cushions and boxes arranged in front of the stage, seating that enabled a better view for some of the children, and kept them engaged by placing them closer to the action onstage. Moreover, the show’s narrative was incorporated into helping people find a seat, as Jonathan remained in character, occasionally sweeping boxes or dusting off cushions, whilst directing families to them. This illustrates how the production adeptly combines practicality and storytelling, something further demonstrated by the edge of the stage being marked out by bright yellow tape to create a clear performance space whilst remaining in the world of the story.

Significantly, the show acknowledged young children’s tendency to become restless and their need for activity, as a voice over introduced the production’s “rules”, outlining how all were welcome to leave the auditorium and return as many times as needed throughout the performance. This simple but important detail emphasises how the show has been curated with families and young people in mind. Likewise, the relaxed atmosphere and reliance on non-verbal methods of storytelling reflect how the performance champions accessibility and inclusion, as theatre has been adapted to be easily understood by all.

Fundamental to the performance was the use of cardboard boxes. Aptly titled “Boxed In”, a wall of cardboard boxes initially “boxed” off the two main characters, Derek and Joe, this staging visually representing their divide. This cardboard wall enabled a simple display of opposites, with similar action unfolding on either side, but with each character responding to situations in remarkably different ways. Whilst one side was neat and organised, the other was chaotic and messy, the consequent contrast delighting and amusing the young audience. Such staging also facilitated some classic comedy moments, such as a tug of war, and the characters finally noticing each other by peering round the wall.

Upon discovering each other, the characters’ dynamic is undoubtedly what conveys the idea of society’s unspoken rules being rewritten. Through their different approaches to tasks, rules such as ‘stop’ and ‘go’ are suddenly upturned, with Derek doing the opposite of what was said. When following lines created by tape on the floor, stop could now mean go and vice versa, this reversal of the expected encouraging a different way of thinking. Similarly, as arrows on a box point the ‘wrong’ way, the character of Derek rotates himself in his wheelchair so that from his upside down perspective, both he and the arrows are now ‘right’. All such rule bending is always enacted with such vigour and glee that it remains humorous, fun and engaging. This joy at breaking the rules also inspires audiences to consider how they may escape being “boxed in” by unchallenged social rules, although to the younger demographic this may simply manifest as exploring new methods of play.

The show also offers a short playtime after it has finished, with the taped stage border being removed, and the children invited onstage to play. They are encouraged to follow the taped arrows as seen during the performance, before then happily ripping up the tape and popping bubble wrap used during the show. Finally, a new tape path was created, one leading towards the door to signal end of the playtime. Overall, Boxed In is a joyful show of opposites that turns the rules quite literally upside down.