The original Duck, Death and the Tulip is an exceptionally stunning "sophisticated" picture book, written by Wolf Erlbruch and famously translated by Wellington's Gecko Press.
The makers of this puppet theatre show, then, have given themselves a challenge: they've attempted to adapt what is primarily adult/young adult literature for 4-8-year-olds.
To a large extent, they succeed. Director Nina Nawalowalo gets the calm pacing right and Little Dog Barking Theatre Company puppeteers Peter Wilson (who adapted the book) and Kenneth King are wizards at making Duck and Death seem real.
The costumes and puppets - dead ringers for the book illustrations - are spot-on (Death's faded gingham is so comforting). Gareth Farr's piano-based score is fittingly sweet and whimsical. The action is gentle; in spite of an ending that (spoiler) may be found sad, there is nothing here to scare anyone, young or old.
As in the book, Death doesn't cause death: "Life takes care of that. The coughs and colds and all the other things that happen to you ducks."
