Lanny: An Immersive Triumph at Bristol Old Vic

★★★★★

From the moment we entered Bristol Old Vic, Lanny immersed us in its world. The experience began in the foyer with Morris dancing, immediately establishing a sense of place and drawing the audience into the countryside-inspired world of the production before the show had even begun.

The atmosphere was exceptional. The soundscape created a wonderfully immersive experience that continued throughout the interval, ensuring the world of the play never truly disappeared. The lighting was incredible, with beautiful naturalistic moments, striking backlighting and creative projections that added another dimension to the storytelling.

The puppetry was brilliant, complemented by imaginative choreography and powerful shadow work. These elements worked seamlessly together to create some truly memorable theatrical moments. The minimal, countryside-inspired set allowed the storytelling to take centre stage, while the spinning wheel was a particularly creative touch, bringing a wonderful balance of suspense and playfulness to the production.

The cast was outstanding, with genuinely no weak link throughout the company.

Raj Bajaj delivered a brilliant performance, full of emotion and heart. His natural talent shone through, creating moments that felt genuinely moving and drawing the audience into the emotional world of the play. He brought real depth and presence to the stage, making his performance particularly memorable.

Hanora Kamen was absolutely stunning in the leading role. Her performance was raw, powerful and deeply moving, with an extraordinary naturalness that made every moment feel authentic. There were points when my heart genuinely sank, and the emotional weight she brought to the production was remarkable. She carried the story with such sensitivity and strength, creating a truly unforgettable performance. Her talent was evident in every scene, and she was a real highlight of the evening.

Richard Cant was a real standout, his character was incredibly moving, innocent and genuinely loveable, making it impossible not to feel an emotional connection with him. Richard brought such warmth, sincerity and depth to the role, beautifully capturing the character’s innocence while making him feel completely real. There was something truly special about his performance, and the emotional connection he created made his character one of the most memorable aspects of the production.

Liam Bergin brought a charismatic and vibrant energy to the stage, adding wonderful diversity to the ensemble and balancing the emotional weight of the production.

Rupert Holiday-Evans brought a sternness and depth to his character, offering wisdom and a steady presence that anchored the storytelling beautifully.

Amanda Lawrence was fantastic, demonstrating exceptional storytelling ability, brilliant comic timing and impressive versatility across her multiple roles. Every character felt distinct and fully realised.

Rose Wardlaw was equally impressive, showcasing what a brilliant all-round actor she is. She brought humour exactly when it was needed and transformed seamlessly between wonderfully diverse characters, giving each role its own personality.

A special mention must go to Lucian Thomas. Seeing Lucian Thomas perform the role of Lanny on the evening I attended was a lovely reminder of the young talent coming through theatre.

The costumes were excellent, and the choreography was brilliantly executed. The quick changes were particularly impressive, remaining seamless and allowing the storytelling to flow without interrupting the pace or energy of the production.

Overall, Lanny at Bristol Old Vic was a gorgeous, immersive and emotionally powerful theatrical experience. From the atmospheric soundscape and inventive lighting to the exceptional puppetry, shadow work and performances, every element contributed to a production that felt thoughtful, playful and deeply affecting.

The combination of a wonderfully talented cast, creative staging and powerful storytelling made this a truly special evening at the theatre.

A production worthy of five stars without hesitation.

Thank you to Bristol Old Vic for providing us with complimentary tickets in exchange for our honest review.