EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: THE SUITCASE KID, The Space, 11 August

The Suitcase Kid is adapted from the much-loved novel by Jacqueline Wilson. Known for tackling tough topics, Andy is a girl whose parents have recently split and she is asked to decide who she wants to live with. She chooses to do a week in turn with each parent, but ends up feeling like she doesn't really belong anywhere, as both parents find new partners and step-siblings are added to the mix.

The Suitcase Kid isn't quite a musical, but a few songs have been added. For the most part these are pleasant enough but, on occasion, the vocals are a bit off. The production is colourful and performed with a lot of energy. Hermione Leith, the actress playing Andy, is excellent and the rest of the company are strong as well.

The Suitcase Kid is such a wonderful story and has been so lovingly adapted. Jacqueline Wilson has a knack of being able to approach difficult subjects in a relatable and easy to understand way for children and that shows in this production too.

Clutching her sylvanian family rabbit "Radish", Andy feels completely alone and as though she has no sense of home. Her dad's girlfriend is expecting a baby and she feels like she's being pushed out completely. She makes up games with Radish and the fantasy sequences are played out beautifully on stage. The Suitcase Kid is as magical for adults as it is for children.

The Suitcase Kid runs at The Space until 13 August.

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