David Rawle and Claire O’Leary – Photo: Ros Kavanagh

The Borrowers – Gate Theatre – Review

This Christmas the Gate Theatre presents the classic family adventure THE BORROWERS – by Mary Norton
Adapted for the stage by Charles Way
Music and lyrics by Fionn Foley
Directed by Róisín McBrinn

Borrowers are tiny human-like creatures that live in secret in our homes!  They hide in the walls and floors of our houses, occasionally ‘borrowing’ items from us such as food and household objects.  The Clock family are one such family of Borrowers. We meet Arrietty (Claire O’Leary) along with her Mother and Father; Homily (Aoife Mulholland) and Pod (Ben Morris).  Their world is thrown into chaos when Arrietty befriends a human boy called Tom (David Rawle), causing mayhem in their world and unintended consequences.

The Borrowers was written by Mary Norton in 1952. The novel was a success and she went on to write four sequels. Norton is best known for her novel Bonfires and Broomsticks, which was adapted into the 1971 Disney film Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The Borrowers was adapted for the silver screen in 1997, starring John Goodman and Jim Broadbent. This new adaptation by Charles Way sets the action in the unlikely location of Tyrrells Pass. There are a few other changes to the original story along with a series of songs written by Fionn Foley.

Ben Morris, Claire O’Leary, Aoife Mulholland and David Rawle – Photo: Ros Kavanagh

This production is aimed at kids but also caters for an older audience with many gags and playful ideas.  The production is quite inventive with the size difference between Humans and the Borrowers, and it uses puppets, projections and many other techniques to create the world.  The set & costume designer, Paul Wills, gets to show his talents, especially with costumes made from TK Red Lemonade wrappers and Tayto crisp packets!

The piece has songs dotted throughout the performance, which were written by Fionn Foley. Foley has previously worked on musicals such as The Giggler Treatment (The Ark) and Tonic (Rough Magic). There are some catchy tunes and quirky lyrics that move the story along.

The cast is made to work hard with most of them playing two or three different parts.  Claire O’Leary as Arrietty is the main protagonist and she plays the part with wide-eyed innocence and glee. Ruth McGill is the main highlight as the villain of the piece, Mrs Driver, who treats the Borrowers like vermin!

The Gate have had many similar plays at Christmas in recent years and they are giving parents an option if the Pantomimes prove a little too much! If you’re looking for some family-friendly entertainment this Christmas, this would be ideal.

Ruth McGill –  Photo: Ros Kavanagh

Cast (in order of appearance)
Arrietty – Claire O’Leary
Tom / Spiller – David Rawle
Mrs. Driver / Aunt Lupy – Ruth McGill
Crampfurl / Finn / Uncle Hendreary – Martin Beanz Warde
Homily – Aoife Mulholland
Pod – Ben Morris

Creatives
Director – Róisín McBrinn
Set & Costume Designer – Paul Wills
Lighting Designer – Sarah Jane Shiels
Video Designer – Dick Straker
Sound Designer – Kevin Gleeson
Movement Director – Róisín Whelan
Musical Supervisor – David Hayes
Assistant Director – Éadaoin Fox