The incredible theatre adaptation of Life of Pi is captivating audiences at Milton Keynes Theatre, turning Yann Martel's much loved novel and movie into a remarkable theatre experience.
The show combines incredibly lifelike full sized 'puppet' animals with breathtaking visual effects and staging to create a beautiful, moving and at times shocking experience.
There is an outstanding performance from Divesh Subaskaran as Pi who brings a phenomenal energy and wit to the role, as Piscine whose family operate a rundown zoo in the Indian coastal town of Pondicherry in the 1970s. Facing the challenges of Indira Gandhi's Emergency, they decide to move the entire zoo to Canada via a cargo ship. But tragedy strikes when it capsizes in the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Pi is the sole survivor but has to share the lifeboat with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a majestic 450-pound Royal Bengal tiger. As they battle the elements and face 227 days at sea, who will survive?
War Horse has set the bar high for animatronic puppets on stage but this production really draws you in with the meticulously observed, lifelike movements and interaction with the actors. From the awe-inspiring and enigmatic Royal Bengal Tiger called Richard Parker, brought to life by a team of six puppeteers, to the mesmerizing swarms of glowing flying fish, butterflies and birds, each puppet leaves a lasting impression. When combined with the lighting, visuals, and set design, the result is a surreal and captivating experience which feels like you're stepping into a vivid dream.
Beyond the technical marvels and outstanding performances, Life of Pi will leave you questioning what's real and whether sometimes it's better to have faith in a fanciful story than face the harsh truths of reality, and compares this to religious faith.
It's not hard to see why Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage adaption has won an Olivier award and three Tony awards - this is a truly remarkable piece of theatre which offers a fresh and unforgettable experience that resonates long after the curtain falls.
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