Click on the green play icon to see the elephants in the Winter Gardens

The elephants, brought to life by Molly Hodkinson and Dermot Daly from the Newcastle based theatre company Dodgy Clutch, gave a taster of the show Elephant currently showing at Sheffield Lyceum.

The play is a co-production between Johannesburg's Market Theatre and Dodgy Clutch Theatre Company, and tells the story about Chief Zanenvula, a good man respected by his tribe, who has just died and has been forbidden entry to heaven. Distraught and uncomprehending he calls on his ancestors to find out why. He reviews his life and slowly understands how he can redeem himself.

"It's a whole collaboration of music, dance, acting, puppetry and story telling," said Hodkinson, who plays one of the baby elephants in Elephant.

About 30 children, parents and pensioners watched baby elephant Hodkinson and big elephant Daly at 11.30 in the Winter Gardens today. Some children hid safely behind their parents when the big elephant came too close, but Hodkinson said the main show is suitable for all ages.

"Children love this show because they can really get involved in it. And adults love it because it takes them back to being a child. Although it is meant for children it is quite a mature show as well. It takes you through loads of different emotions," she said.

Read more about Elephant: African Elephant tells tale of forgiveness

The play is showing at the Lyceum Wednesday and Thursday at 2pm and 7.30 pm, Friday at 7.30pm and Saturday 2pm and 7.30pm.


Review of Elephant