Burglars steal the show in hilarious tale

Reviewed by Margaret ChristensenWhat to do with youngsters in the winter holidays? Always a problem, but Junior Harlequin theatre offers a very good solution in The Bungling Burglars, a fun play directed by John Mabey.

Mabey, a well-known local actor, probably wondered whether directing a troupe of kids was going to end in a stomach ulcer and tears for him - but no, this highly entertaining production came out to well-justified applause.

The six burglars, led by enterprising Shorty Mac (Timothy Osbourne), have notably failed in the business. They need to win at burgling at a 23rd attempt.

The townspeople, headed by lively grandparents (Kittyn Riach and Logan Wallis), respond to media publicity presented by Rocco Thompson, Kaitlyn Dawson and Riley Uhr.

The only place left offering the burglars possible pickings is the Hots and Spots children's hospital, and that is where patients Jean Campbell, Craig Bebbington, Ashton Thompson, Roan Babey, Kaitlyn Dawson and Kate Lewis are homesick, miserable and spotty.

The bossy Sisters Pimple, Pustule and Blister (Neve Hopman, Alice Nicholls and Anna Bebbington) are dictatorial. Doctors Pacule, Macule and Cuticle (Annalise Nolan, Will Tickner and Riley Uhr) are just as bad.

You might think kids would be put off going to hospital but help is at hand. The burglars transform themselves into hilarious cleaners. Mac is persuaded to tell a bed-time story but he only knows Goldilocks in today's technology. The heist of cuddly toys looks successful but Alice, the persuasive older patient, counsels repentance and a better way of life.

Burglars is a joy of a play, witty and ideally suited to primary and intermediate students.

If Auckland playwright Michelanne Forster has other plays in her pack as good as Burglars, junior theatres everywhere should take a good look at them.