The Storm Whale's adaptation of Benji Davies' 2013 picture book brings a heartwarming tale to life, but falls short in its tone and execution.
For Noi, the young boy whose dad is away fishing each day, life can be lonely. However, when his dad returns home, he discovers a little whale washed up on the shore and befriends it before setting it free. This poignant story explores how solitude doesn't have to mean loneliness, a lesson passed down to Noi by his lost mother.
The show is beautifully designed, with idyllic settings and puppetry that brings the story to life. The choreography of Hayley Del Harrison's tempest scene is breathtaking, and the lighting design by Jason Salvin adds to the immersive experience.
However, the script's earnest messages can feel repetitive, and the dialogue can be overly solemn at times. The show's attempt to frame Noi's story through his friend Flo's perspective may not resonate with young audiences, who are instead treated to flights of fancy such as imagining strawberries-and-cream-tasting lighthouses.
While the puppets are adorable, particularly Keith Frederick's squishy whale creation, some aspects feel like they're holding back. Only one of Noi's six cats is fully realized, but their names – including Sandwich – add a sweet touch to the show.
Despite its efforts, The Storm Whale feels like an incomplete storm. With more developed humor and adventure, it could have become truly unforgettable. Instead, it settles for being a touching tale that needs a bit more oomph to really make it shine.
For Noi, the young boy whose dad is away fishing each day, life can be lonely. However, when his dad returns home, he discovers a little whale washed up on the shore and befriends it before setting it free. This poignant story explores how solitude doesn't have to mean loneliness, a lesson passed down to Noi by his lost mother.
The show is beautifully designed, with idyllic settings and puppetry that brings the story to life. The choreography of Hayley Del Harrison's tempest scene is breathtaking, and the lighting design by Jason Salvin adds to the immersive experience.
However, the script's earnest messages can feel repetitive, and the dialogue can be overly solemn at times. The show's attempt to frame Noi's story through his friend Flo's perspective may not resonate with young audiences, who are instead treated to flights of fancy such as imagining strawberries-and-cream-tasting lighthouses.
While the puppets are adorable, particularly Keith Frederick's squishy whale creation, some aspects feel like they're holding back. Only one of Noi's six cats is fully realized, but their names – including Sandwich – add a sweet touch to the show.
Despite its efforts, The Storm Whale feels like an incomplete storm. With more developed humor and adventure, it could have become truly unforgettable. Instead, it settles for being a touching tale that needs a bit more oomph to really make it shine.
. I mean, who thought it was a good idea to add an extra cat just to feel complete? It's like they're trying to cram too many feels into the show. And don't even get me started on those flights of fancy – if I want my puppets to be realistic, can we please just stick to them being squishy whales and sad Noi? The more ridiculous stuff is what really brings the magic, imo 
and i gotta say, its got some lovely moments... like when noi finds that adorable little whale on the shore 
but for me, the story feels a bit too heavy-handed at times. all those serious messages about not being lonely with your parents away can get a bit much 
. and dont even get me started on how they tried to pass off nois friendship with flo... like who cares about some random cat's backstory? 
but hey, the animation is super cute and hayley del harrisons choreography in that storm scene was literally breathtaking 
. i mean, where's the depth? they're trying to pass off some wholesome vibes as profound lessons but honestly, it feels like they're just regurgitating surface-level messages 
the only thing that got me was Keith Frederick's squid whale dude tho 
. And yeah, that whole framing it through Flo's perspective thing? Not really my cup of tea 
. I mean, I get what they were going for with the themes of loneliness and friendship, but it feels like it's been over-explained at times 
. A bit more humor and adventure would've taken this show from just "cute" to actually memorable 
. Still, it's not all bad – that tempest scene though? 
the puppets are super cute though 
especially Keith Frederick's squishy whale creation 
but honestly, I felt like the show was holding back on some parts 
it's a great message about not being lonely with your dad away, but I needed something more exciting 
. I mean, the puppets are super cute especially Keith's squishy whale 
and Hayley's choreography in the storm scene is literally mind-blowing 
but it comes off as kinda preachy 
. And what's up with the whole Flo's perspective thing? Didn't quite work for me 
. But yeah, if they'd just added some more humor and excitement, it could've been really special instead of just being nice 
.
. And hey, who says kids don't love a good lighthouse with strawberries-and-cream toppings? 
Maybe it's trying to speak to the kid in all of us who still believes in that sort of whimsy 
Their puppets are literally so cute and adorable, like Keith Frederick's squishy whale 
The design is just stunning, especially the idyllic settings, I feel like I'm right there with Noi on the beach 
. And the tempest scene choreography? Whoa 
, Hayley Del Harrison must be a genius! 
like it's missing something. The dialogue is so solemn at times, I get it, but can't they add some fun moments to balance it out? 
. The puppets were adorable tho! 
I just saw this show & I'm still reeling! The puppets tho 
But overall, it felt like they missed the mark a bit. More humor & adventure would've made it SO much better 