The Life of Pi – A Review
Ad-gifted – I was given tickets to see The Life of Pi in return for my review. All opinions are my own.
“The Life of Pi” theatre production is proof of the power of live theatre to transport audiences to far-off lands and immerse them in a whole different world. The story, originally published in 2001 and later adapted into a critically acclaimed film by Ang Lee in 2012, follows the incredible journey of a young Indian man named Pi Patel. I went to watch it at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking.
The theatrical adaptation of “Life of Pi” takes audiences on an emotionally charged voyage as Pi survives a shipwreck and finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean. His only companions are a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker, a Zebra, a Hyena, and an Orangutan named Orange Juice.
One of the most striking aspects of the show is its ingenious staging and set design. My friend commented that it felt like a permanent West End production rather than a touring production, and I agree, the set was incredible, complex, and utterly beautiful. It is one of the most immersive theatre experiences I have had to date.
At the heart of “The Life of Pi” production is an exceptional cast led by the talented Divesh Subaskatan who excels in his professional debut as Pi Patel. His portrayal of Pi is both heartwarming and likeable. He cleverly navigates the character’s emotional highs and lows, capturing the audience’s empathy and admiration. The chemistry between Pi and the puppeteers who bring Richard Parker to life is nothing short of extraordinary, it is often hard to believe the animals are not real.
A review of the production cannot pass without mention of the incredibly talented puppeteers. They become one with their puppets and move exactly as the animals would. This is the case from the tiny fish all the way up to the huge giraffe in the first scene. It is all so utterly believable.
“The Life of Pi” is not just a play; it’s an immersive experience that leaves a lasting impact, reminding us of the power of theatre to transport us to new worlds, encourage us to challenge our beliefs, and stimulate our imaginations.
Thank you for coming to read The Life of Pi – A review. If you would like to read another theatre review, check out my review of The King and I, here.
