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Sarah Frater's rating
Reader rating
Description: Premiere of a new Arabian Nights fantasy written by Sarah Woods from a story concept by Moira Buffinitale. Featuring music by Paul Englishby. Not suitable for under-eights.
Trains: Tube: Covent Garden 
Phone: 0207304 4000
Website: www.roh.org.uk
Arabian night out: Charlotte Broom (Bee) Christopher Marney (Callum)
The Thief of Baghdad is a new family ballet from Will Tuckett that may become a mini classic. The small-scale piece has wonderful music and clever sets and, although the plot is too detailed (we drink too much in December to follow anything other than basic narrative), the story is sweetly told.
It starts with three orphaned children hiding in a theatre away from a war. We’re not sure if this is the Blitz or some modern-day battle but the children are alone and hungry. The kindly Stage Door Manager gets them to act out a story to keep their minds off things and the three friends quickly conjure Sultans and Princesses and Kings from the gloom. They imagine a Baghdad market, a winged horse and a magic Genie, and then immerse themselves in the story, simultaneously inventing the narrative and arguing with it when it doesn’t go their way.
“I don’t want to marry you,” says the oldest girl Bee, who’s magicked herself into a Princess and who doesn’t like the rather swarthy looking Prince who’s nosing around.
Running two stories at once allows Tuckett to overlap and double-back on his cast. He can show the children making wishes and seeing the consequences of their choices, as well as springing a surprise or two. These come thick and fast, and include brilliant props and stage gadgets that I won’t spoil by giving away.
The piece is a little too long with too much detail but it wouldn’t take much cutting. Still, Tuckett is adept at weaving stories of the Arabian Nights with modern-day issues in a kiddie-friendly way. He also creates genuine stage magic. This is down to a tip-top creative team, plus eight able dancers who move and act with rag-taggity appeal.
Until 3 January. Information: 020 7304 4000, www.roh.org.uk.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
