Young Critics Collective: Take Flight

Take Flight is a fun and vibrant show presented by Rebel Sparks theatre company, which offers a multi-sensory, interactive experience aimed at babies aged 0-2. This show expertly combines the use of aerial silks and storytelling to engage little ones, without it becoming overwhelming or scary for them. Through music, movement and acrobatics, it tells the story of a mother bird and her baby, as it hatches and starts to explore the world.

Audiences are welcomed in by a song, with parents being invited to find and sit by one of the nests arranged in front of the stage. These nests consisted of a soft, folded mat, containing replicas of props later used in the show, that the babies could play with and explore immediately whilst everyone settled. Moreover, as each prop was used in turn, for example turning a fluffy sock into a hand puppet, it was introduced, then presented to the babies. The two performers would playfully demonstrate how a prop could be used, before carefully moving through the audience to engage with the babies and their parents.

One aspect of the show that particularly stood out was how the performers frequently placed themselves on a similar level to the babies, by acting whilst sitting on the floor. This undoubtedly helped engage them, as actions were brought down to their eye level. Likewise, facial expressions and over exaggerated movements were essential to conveying the story, as it kept things simple but fun, and was perfect to maintaining the babies’ interest. This reflects the care Rebel Sparks have clearly put into producing a show tailored for such young audiences, something exemplified by how they worked with a developmental psychologist throughout the creative process. The level of thought put into the production makes it unsurprising then, that this was a sold out performance, even on the very first show of the tour.

The aerial aspect of the performance had pride of place centre stage, as three aerial silks were utilised throughout the performance. They allowed a playful mimicry of flight, as well as acting as a nest for one performer as the baby bird. Both Lj Willow and Rika Fujimoto were clearly highly skilled with the silks, as they were able to make their performance look effortless and remain immersed within the world of the story. The show culminates with the main aerial moment, which represents the baby bird taking flight. Unfortunately, by this point it felt as if some of the babies were starting to get somewhat restless, however, this is to be expected with babies so young, and it did not make the aerial display any less impressive to watch. Significantly, the show clearly anticipated and addressed babies’ short attention span, as the narrative moved swiftly, and parents were aware that they could leave and re-entre the main stage area whenever was needed, should a baby be continuously restless.

The show also offers a 15 minute stay and play after it has finished. This is a time where everyone is invited onstage to explore and play, and was something the babies clearly loved. The stage was overtaken by the kids, as they happily explored the colourful and exciting world that had been presented to them by this joyful performance.