Enchanting and Sinister - the perfect combination!

Maudie’s Rooms

Roar Ensemble

Sherman Cymru

Bute Street, Cardiff Bay

11-26^th April 2014

Arlo Butterworth is about to get married, but somehow he has arrived at a bus stop in Cardiff Bay rather than at the altar. Can the audience help this awkward, shy man discover why he is here and who gave him the box containing a note asking him to revisit his childhood home?

Across the road is the boarding house of Miss Maudie May, the place young Arlo lived with his sick mother. Now in a state of disrepair the building is sinister and creepy – made even worse by the puppets chattering away to us through the window, twin girls dressed all in black.

The grand hallway is dusty and abandoned, circus memorabilia collects dust on the walls and a giant stuffed bear lives in a cage in the corner. By answering a series of riddles the audience can help Arlo explore his childhood home and meet each of the outlandish residents from his past that can help him to change his life.

Arlo’s father, a strongman, ran off with a contortionist (or so they say) and his ill mother was the pursued by the villainous Sir Titus – resulting in Arlo being sent away to boarding school. But what mysteries does the old boarding house contain that can change Arlo’s whole life?

By exploring each of the imaginatively decorated rooms and conversing with the wonderful characters who once lived there the mysteries of Arlo’s past slowly unravel. From the eccentric Miss Sweetpea, who seems more plant than human, to Solomon a traveller from distant lands, each character adds more layers to the wonderful storytelling and spooky atmosphere.

This time-travelling tale is full of magic and mystery perfect for a family audience. The multi-roling cast are exciting and exuberant, revelling in the kooky characters they get to play. The tone is the perfect blend of playful and scary, encouraging the kids to get involved and help Arlo whilst keeping the tension high.

An enchanting and imaginative production that never patronises its young audience. The magical and mysterious setting is used perfectly, with ever y new space becoming a whole new world of adventure.

Get tickets if you can!