If you took one of Tove Jansson’s Moomins, sprayed them with custard, added a third eye and stretched their ears then you might end up with Beegu. The yellow alien from Alexis Deacon’s popular picture book now crash-lands in a comical show for children aged three to seven. Director Debbie Hannan’s adaptation often forgoes the contemplative grace of the original and whips the audience into chants for the befuddled, far-from-home heroine. Bee-gu! Bee-gu!
The themes of curiosity, care and found family remain intact. A cuddly looking Beegu (movement and puppetry direction from Laura Cubitt) is principally controlled by Emma MacLennan, who also voices the alien’s inquisitive chatter. During her odyssey on Earth, Beegu is ignored and insulted by busy grownups (“bit early for a Halloween costume,” sneers one) but warmly welcomed by some friendly schoolchildren. On the Unicorn’s main stage you might think this would lead to some extravagant circus skills but their games, rendered in slow motion, instead have a simplicity that young audiences will recognise from their own playground. The same goes for the cheerleading routine that involves a litter of fluffy puppies whizzing through the air.
