The Little Prince review – twinkling spin on Saint-Exupéry’s flight of fantasy
Toby Thompson, the performance poet, brings a unique blend of relaxed energy and creativity to his audience at The Egg in Bath as he delivers a modern interpretation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s poignant novella. Dressed in vintage aviator gear, Thompson takes the stage to the enchanting sounds of Melody Gardot’s “If the Stars Were Mine,” instantly setting a cozy atmosphere that feels less like a formal performance and more like an intimate gathering in his living room.
The narrative explores the contrast between youthful exuberance and the weight of adult responsibilities. Thanks to Anisha Fields’ sophisticated design, the production seamlessly weaves together mature themes with a sense of childlike wonder. The stage features an art deco stand adorned with shimmering, planet-like orbs, while doodles and aeronautical charts embellish the floor and back wall. In homage to the original story, sand is artfully poured from a mug, symbolizing the desert, alongside Saint-Exupéry’s iconic illustration of a boa constrictor in mid-meal.
In a particularly humorous segment, Thompson adeptly shifts from a school kid bursting with joy over a new friendship to a distracted parent perched atop a paint pot. This moment captures the exhilarating essence of first friendships, one of the novella’s central themes, while the bond between the narrator and the prince develops throughout the hour.
Directed by Nik Partridge, this adaptation is infused with playful rhymes and cleverly condenses some of the planets the duo visits in the tale. It also introduces a social media enthusiast, reflecting contemporary issues where digital connections often overshadow real-life relationships. Thompson’s whimsical performance resonates with the imaginative flair of Eddie Izzard, especially in his character portrayals. However, the play’s numerous role changes and intertwining narratives can create a somewhat disjointed experience, mirroring the original text’s own thematic and pacing inconsistencies.
Nevertheless, Thompson excels in captivating his audience, particularly children over the age of seven, striking a delicate balance of joyful melancholy that defines the novella. As Saint-Exupéry astutely observed, “All grownups were once children—although few of them remember it.” It’s evident from Thompson’s performance that he holds on to this childlike perspective. The show runs at The Egg in Bath until October 6th.
