946: The Amazing Story
of Adolphus Tips
HOME, Manchester/Touring
5/5

MICHAEL MORPURGO’S wonderful children’s book 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips tells the story of the people of the small south Devon village of Slapton who were forcibly evacuated from their homes in 1943 to allow US forces to rehearse the Normandy landings.

The 946 of the title refers to the number of soldiers killed when, by pure coincidence, a flotilla of nazi submarines were in the area and, through an almighty cock-up, were able to torpedo the unguarded landing craft taking part in the exercise.

It was a catastrophe covered up by the British and US military hierarchies.

Morpurgo and director Emma Rice have now adapted the story for Cornwall’s amazing touring theatre company Kneehigh and the result is a high-octane theatrical rollercoaster.

It’s hilariously funny, heartbreakingly sad and delivers a message of hope and humanity with extraordinary skill and subtlety.

Superb acting, music, dance and the clever use of exquisite puppetry take the audience on a fantastic journey as the horrors of war open up a different world to an insular community.

But there is much more to this play than the tragedy of operation Exercise Tiger — it’s also about the impact of two cultures coming together in adversity.

The arrival of black US soldiers, with their love of jazz music and fast dancing, makes huge waves among a rural population where the most exciting event is the annual Morris dance.

Morpurgo, Rice and the Kneehigh company have transformed a children’s tale into a play for today, in which everyone becomes a displaced refugee.

Thus it is one for all generations and the final plea to support the many fleeing war zones was a heartfelt message hugely appreciated by the cheering audience.

Ironically, on the opening night of the Manchester run, Rice was forced to announce her departure as artistic director at the Globe Theatre, whose board appears to be more interested in running a museum rather than a space for innovative theatre inspired by Shakespeare’s work.

As this production demonstrates, the loss of Rice’s vision will make the Globe the eventual loser.

Tours Leeds, Warwick and Bristol until November 20, details: kneehigh.co.uk

Review by Paul Foley