Three larger-than-life pigs
A deliciously wicked take on the traditional tale as female piglets lustily pursue the ‘big bad wolf’
LIGHT-hearted irony cloaks a universal message in this exceedingly naughty take on the children’s pantomime The Three Little Pigs, to raise a chuckle-a-minute as one quaffs wine and snacks off the generous tapas on offer in Gate 69’s well-established tradition.
Scripted and devised by Christopher Dudgeon (aka the dour “trolley dolly” Holly), the only elements this show has in common with the familiar plot is the cast-list (three young pigs and a wolf), and three houses built in varying degrees of sturdiness; thereafter, it parts company with its antecedent, to hilarious effect.
Far from the wolf being the predator, that role belongs to the three female piglets who lust after his furry masculinity. Moreover, this “big” bad wolf is dwarfed by the majestic physique of the “little” pigs pursuing him, in a piquant inversion of the story’s tradition.
All four members of the cast attack their characterisation with zest and infectious enjoyment.
Particularly amusing is the obvious and ill-concealed effort to suppress attacks of the giggles at crucial moments in the narrative, in the manner of amateur dramatics.
Grotesque make-up, garish colours, costumes that exaggerate the endowment of each piglet’s gigantic rear-end, stylised props and dialogue with members of the audience all evoke the spirit of pantomime, as does the obligatory voice-off announcing, “Once upon a time in Bapsfontein…” – a nice touch to anchor the show in South Africa.
This quirky panto is recommended for the young-at-heart.