Liverpool Sound & Vision Rating: * * * *

Cast: Paul Curley, Ady Thompson, Eve Shotton, Bruno Mendes.

Happily Ever After is inspired by Linda De Haan and Stern Nijland book King & King which was published in 2002, which tells the story of two young princes who fall in love and marry. It opened up the debate of how young do children have to be to be able to understand gay relationships. The book has made its mark and has since been published in eight languages. It has gone on to receive great success, as well as hitting opposition from parents, teachers and social conservatives.

This opposition has not stopped Action Transport Theatre from staging their latest children’s production, which tackles these issues head on. Happily Ever After is a thoughtful, sensitive and visual play about a Queen who is looking for a bride for her son. The twist of course is that he finds his prince rather than his princess and they live happily ever after. A very simple story, yes, but director Nina Hajiyianni has removed all language from the script and instead has used all the elements of storytelling to create a gorgeous piece of theatre. Beautiful choreography timed perfectly against a marvellous soundtrack by Patrick Dineen, gives the piece an eloquent style and with the backdrop of the simple but colourful set and the playful wigs and costumes, its sets the tone perfectly in terms of engaging any child’s imagination.

Excellent performances all round, from Curley’s very laid back prince to Shotton’s vibrant and energetic dancing princesses. It is challenging for any actor when words are taken away, but all were wonderful in their physicality in the playing of their individual roles.

Action Transport Theatre is on the front line when tackling difficult issues for children and it is no surprise that they are currently the only theatre company doing so. Contemporary theatre with always an important message to tell, children’s theatre has never been so exciting.

Janie Phillips