Return to the Forest⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Step inside a museum where precious treasures are on display. But remember – strictly no touching! Dusk falls and the museum is getting ready to close but something is beginning to stir. Only a few visitors remain. These precious objects seem to call to them, yearning to be freed… Is this a heist happening in front of your eyes? Can it really be a heist when the objects are leading the way?

Director Sue Buckmaster’s inventive staging keeps the audience captivated from start to finish. Instead of limiting the action to a single stage area, performers move throughout different parts of the auditorium, creating a dynamic experience that constantly revolves around the audience. This creative use of space enhances the production's immersive quality and makes every viewer feel part of the journey.

Gregory Maqoma’s choreography is simply superb—full of energy, precision, and purpose. The movement language becomes a storytelling tool in its own right, helping to propel the narrative while maintaining a sense of excitement and wonder. Each movement is purposeful, vividly bringing the museum artefacts, forest creatures, and magical encounters to life.

One of the production’s strongest technical elements is Guy Hoare’s lighting design. More than just illuminating the performers, the lighting creates atmosphere, adds depth, and actively helps to progress the story. It transforms the performance space from museum to forest and beyond, guiding the audience through changing environments with remarkable effectiveness.

Jean Chan’s set design provides a perfect foundation for this immersive production. Starting as a museum filled with treasured artefacts, it then transforms into a magical forest, making it both imaginative and highly effective. The space encourages exploration from the moment audiences enter the auditorium and works seamlessly with the lighting, choreography, and puppetry to craft a world of wonder and discovery.

Visually, the production is a delight. The costumes complement the show’s themes beautifully, adding colour, texture, and personality to the stage environment. Paired with puppetry and movement, they help create a theatrical landscape that feels both magical and accessible.

The cast works exceptionally well together, creating a strong ensemble that infuses every scene with energy, warmth, and authenticity. Mayowa Ogunnaike, Natnael Dawit, Simon Palmer, Teele Uustani, and Xolisile Bongwana each contribute significantly, blending dance, physical theatre, puppetry, and audience interaction with impressive skill. Their chemistry as a company is evident from the outset, helping to craft a production that feels fluid, playful, and engaging. Whether navigating the museum heist, bringing puppets to life, or guiding audiences through the magical forest, every performer plays a vital role in maintaining the show’s sense of adventure and wonder.

Audience participation is another key highlight. Theatre-Rites is renowned for creating experiences that invite audiences into the action, and Return to the Forest continues this tradition brilliantly. Towards the end, children are invited onto the stage to dodge laser beams themselves, creating genuine excitement and laughter. The final moments welcome everyone into the performance space, culminating in a joyful celebration that embodies the production’s spirit of community and playfulness.

Beneath the fun and spectacle lies a thoughtful message about ownership, heritage, conservation, and our relationship with the natural world. The production gently encourages audiences to reflect on what we value, what we choose to protect, and how we care for the things that matter most.

Visually stunning, creatively staged, and brimming with imagination, Return to the Forest entertains younger audiences while offering plenty for adults to consider. It is a playful, inventive, and engaging piece of theatre that leaves audiences smiling and with much to ponder on the journey home.

Return to the Forest is a beautifully imaginative blend of dance, puppetry, and storytelling that turns a museum heist into a magical adventure. Featuring inventive staging, excellent audience interaction, outstanding choreography, and one of the year's top lighting designs, Theatre-Rites’ latest production delivers a joyful and thought-provoking experience for all ages. A delightful celebration of imagination, community, and our connection to the natural world.

Return to the Forest plays until the 30th May at Sadler's Wells East. More information can be found via https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/theatre-rites-return-to-the-forest/