Ellen Thorpe, ArtERY live: Edinburgh Village Hall 2012

Name of company	Catherine Wheels in Association With Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh
Name of show	The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk
Genre	Children’s theatre
Venue	Traverse @ Scottish Book Trust
Date	25.8.12

Review The Ballad of Pondlife McGurk is a brilliant family show dealing with name calling, bullying and the rest.  The actor was fabulous really engaging and energetic.  He tells us about a friendship between 2 boys, both outsiders who became close until one day it all changes.  The audience sits around the edge of the performing space or on mats and the performer uses all the clear space between, walking, running, jumping.  It has great pace and energy, the language is rich and the story believable and funny, one become really engrossed. The children were really taken and hung on every word.  Excellent show.

Why is the work suitable or not suitable / ready for rural touring ?	Yes and it could and does tour.
Why would you book them ?  or  Why wouldn’t you book them ?	Excellent high quality work.
Why would it be worth pursuing this company to consider work in the future? Or not  ?	Yes