Children caught up in magical hi-jinks

Emma Brittenden (from left), Daniel Pengelly and Ralph McCubbin Howell in their make-believe car. Photo / Sarah Ivey

A monster who needed lessons on how to scare was the favourite for some, while others were excited about helping a girl speak to a prince.

And then there were those who were just a bit bored at the opening performance of the children's show Aunty McDuff's Magical Trunk yesterday.

Produced by Christchurch's Court Theatre, the show is in Auckland for the first time as part of The Edge's Time Out theatre for children series.

The show tells the story of three very bored children who choose to entertain themselves one rainy day with what is seemingly junk that they find in an old trunk belonging to their Aunty McDuff, all the while searching for Aunty McDuff's dog Doogle.

The trunk transforms into everything from a castle to a train and a fort on a desert island.

Sisters Addy Peebles, 6, and Liv, 4, enjoyed the show. "I thought it was cool how they made stuff with the treasure box," said Addy.

Liv got to participate in the performance by telling the character Lucy what her favourite toy was so that Lucy would be allowed to speak to a prince.

"I was excited when I got to tell her [Lucy] my favourite toy was a teddy bear," she said.

The show is aimed at children aged 5 to 9. Manaia Matafeo, 10, from Auckland said: "All in all I knew it wasn't kinda directed at my age group so I found it boring."

But even he wasn't entirely put off. "I did like how the trunk transformed."

The trio did eventually find Doogle, but even he wasn't what he seemed.

All 11am sessions of the show are sold out, but seats are still available for the 1pm sessions. The show ends on Saturday.