In a mash up of myth, magic and the darker side of fairy tales, What We Wished For sees a band of retired fairy tale characters living in a utopia where there are whispers of wolves re-emerging in the seven hills surrounding the steel city. As the darkness grows closer and the wolves start to circle, they await rescue; not from the police or the army, but from their grandchildren who are taking matters into their own hands.
Placing theatre back into the heart of the Sheffield community, this original play features a handful of specially written songs, some carefully choreographed movement and a nifty set design; and sees The Sheffield People’s Theatre return to the Crucible stage with a cast made of up gifted amateurs, who threw themselves into the show with a genuine energy and a clear love of performing.
Chris Bush’s story and script could do with a little polish and a lot of pruning, but it brings with it some genuine laugh out loud moments and a wealth of characters which are clearly defined and readily accessible. Whilst director Emily Hutchinson manages to successfully shepherd the large ensemble cast around the stage, keeping the movement flowing and making sure that everyone in the company gets their moment in the centre of the stage.
The show is a story of what generations can learn from each other; of inclusion, facing fears, bridging the gap between young and old and of a community coming together; and neatly mirrors exactly what The Sheffield People’s Theatre is all about.
