National Theatre Live: Life Of Pi – REVIEW
Image: Life of Pi. Image: supplied
Life Of Pi is the extraordinary adventure/drama/fantasy motion picture which broke worldwide box office records when released in cinemas in 2013. Developed into a remarkable 5 time Olivier Award-winning stage adaption, this is one of the most stunning shows ever produced for the stage.
National Theatre Live has now captured on film a performance of this incredible production from Wyndham Theatre in London’s West End for audiences to enjoy cinematically.
The story centres on a 17 year old Indian boy who, on a voyage to Canada with his family, is the sole survivor of a ship sinking. He manages to survive 227 days on a lifeboat forming a connection with another survivor: a terrifying Bengal tiger.
Whose territory is the lifeboat – mans or beast? Can they learn to co-habitat in such a confined space for survival?
Once the curtain rises audiences are completely spellbound by this epic production which explores themes of faith, solitude, survival, and governmental corruption.
Strangely, this theatrical production is action packed with many unsettling and realistic scenes involving the sinking of a ship, a lost soul at sea and frightening fight scenes involving a tiger.
Theatrical wizardry at its finest is evident as many animals are brought to life on stage as puppets including a zebra, goat, fish, an orangatang and notably the tiger. The life-like movements of these puppets are overwhelmingly impressive.
Audiences should marvel as talented puppeteers breathe life in these life-like puppets injecting their own emotions as they parade the stage winning praise and delight.
As the show progresses, the audiences’ imagination takes over – these puppets become real on stage, the puppeteers seemingly not visible. Many other elements also compound to make this a masterful production – amazing sets and scene changes, sound and lighting design and the incredible talents of the ensemble cast.
National Theatre Live is the perfect platform for audiences to watch theatrical productions on the big screen at a fraction of the cost. All the best angles and close ups are experienced regardless of seating in the cinema.
Enjoy a great night out at the cinema watching one of the best live theatre productions that Britain has to offer!
★★★★1/2
In Select Cinemas March 31
