Ruby’s Wish is a play for both children and adults that asks us to think about what is real, and what is imaginary, and how beautiful it is when the imaginary becomes real.
Ruby is a 7 and 3/4 year old girl, who has spent enough time in hospital in her little life to collect 74 “bravery beads” – one for each procedure she’s had. She has a secret wish and Katy Perry playing on repeat. Her pragmatic father sits at her bedside with love and worry. Into Ruby’s hospital room enters their most unlikely hero, Dot, a socially awkward woman who makes magic in her job as hospital clown “Dr. Audi-Yo!,” with miming tricks and a spectacular sound loop machine attached to her coat.
Through the 70 minute production, we move together from reality to imagination: We first meet the actors, Alice (narrator and puppeteer), Adriano (dad and puppeteer), and Holly (Dot/Dr. Audi-Yo!). The actors have their own qualms about how the show might play out, and then take us into the story where the adults are having a hard time coping with “real life,” while the child and the clown seem to have the best handle on how to manage life’s problems, big and small – from a loose tooth to a potentially fatal illness.
Despite the heavy subject, maudlin and morose this show definitely is not. The script is funny and quirky. The skill with which the Ruby puppets are brought to life is a delight to watch. And, certainly the most memorable part of the show is Dr. Audio-Yo’s amazing – I mean, amazing – musical clowning.
The recommended age for this show is 6+, and I would caution that there were a few parts that my fairly sensitive 5 year old found too scary. For a child younger than the suggested age, do think about their capacity to deal with a dark nightmare scene. I would also say that you don’t have to think of this as a show only for children – adults will be equally entertained and touched.
How do we talk, in a children’s production, about serious issues like illness and dying? The actors step out of character, at one point, to ponder this problem. This is the key question that Ruby’s Wish faces with humour and compassion. The answer seems to be to tackle our fears head-on, with bravery and the magic of imagination.
We attended Ruby’s Wish as guests of the Sydney Opera House. Opinions are entirely ours.
Ruby’s Wish is at the Sydney Opera House through Sunday 20 May. Website for information and tickets.
It will also be playing at Riverside Theatre in Parramatta 25 – 26 May. Website for information and tickets.