Life of Pi – Bord Gais Energy Theatre – Review
27 February – 02 March 2024

Find out more about this Production of Life of Pi here.
AGE GUIDANCE: Suitable for ages 8+

The play tells the story of a young man called Pi (Divesh Subaskaran) who survives 227 days on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a Bengal tiger for company! As far-fetched as the story sounds, this tale has enthralled readers and viewers for over 20 years.

The best-selling book ‘Life of Pi’ by Yann Martel was first published in 2001. At this time, Martel was a relatively unknown writer but the book became an international success and sold over 12 million copies. It also received critical acclaim and Martel won the Man Booker Prize in 2002 for the work. In 2012 it was adapted for the screen by director Ang Lee. It went on to win four awards from eleven nominations, including Best Director.

It was adapted for the stage by writer Lolita Chakrabarti and premiered at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield, in June 2019. It later opened in London in November 2021 at Wyndham’s Theatre and went on to win 5 Olivier Awards including Best New Play.

One of the main elements of the piece is how they bring to life the various animals that feature throughout the story. Pi grows up at a zoo in India, so we see zebras, cheetahs, orangutans and the great Bengal Tiger, along with various other creatures throughout the work. These were created by Puppetry and Movement Director Finn Caldwell along with his team of puppeteers. Finn’s previous credits include War Horse (National Theatre) and The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

Despite the use of puppets, the story is not suitable for very young audience members, and it comes with an age guidance of 8+ which should be adhered to. There are moments when some animals meet grisly endings!

While most will be familiar with the story from the book or the film, what really brings the production to life is the use of puppets. Whether it’s the slow steady movement of the Tiger as it waits to pounce or the fast and wild movement of the cheetahs, it’s all carefully considered and beautifully realised on stage. At times, there are four puppeteers working with individual puppets to bring the animals to life. The book can be thoughtful and slow-moving, but this adaptation is quite different. The pace is kept deliberately high, and there is a frenetic air at times, with movement all over the stage. It is fascinating to see the various adaptations that this novel has gone on to spawn. This production will keep audiences happy with its impressive style and verve.