REVIEW: White Fang, Connaught Theatre, Worthing

The team from freeFall Theatre set the scene perfectly for White Fang on Friday evening, with the sound whistling winds and the cry of the wolf.Jethro Compton's new play is set in north-western Canada in 1898 and tells the story of Lyzbet Scott, an orphan whose tribe has been massacred.I do not know the book by American author Jack London which inspired the play but I am told it is the story of a wild wolf from its point of view, where as here, it was more about the girl.Mariska Ariya gave a strong performance as Lyzbet, as she battled to find her place in the world.Excellent puppetry brought the wolf to life, both as a cub and a full-grown animal.The style of the production was a bit different but very effective, with one scene blending into another. It sounds odd but it really worked!

There was a lot to take in and it was not always easy to hear, especially the part where Lyzbet was lying injured on the floor, but it was well paced and held the audience's attention throughout.It is an epic story of love, loss and redemption and should do well when it opens in London on Thursday for a month-long run at the Park Theatre.