Seven years ago, I reviewed the last Aberdeen show The Singing Kettle ever performed, and today I found myself doing the very same thing for Funbox, the troupe that carried on the Kettle’s legacy.
And while it was sad to watch the sun set on yet another family favourite, it was good to see the show go out with a bang – and a good few laughs and cheers.
As the P&J reported last week, the effect of Covid lockdowns and the current cost of living crisis have hit the Funbox team hard and they find themselves unable to continue putting on their popular shows. So today saw the final two performances of their Jungle Party production at the Music Hall.
Colourful costumes
A highlight of attending these shows is often the wonderful costumes worn by audience members young and old, and today was no different. There were tigers, zebras, a flamingo and even a shark. Not to mention an adult in full lion costume complete with meticulous face paint.
The jungle-themed music before the show had everyone in the mood, with songs including Karma Chameleon, Tiger Feet, The Lion Sleeps Tonight and Jungle Boogie. And then it was time to welcome Anya Scott-Rodgers and Aberdeen’s own Kevin Macleod for 90 minutes of jungle high jinks and general mayhem.
The formula of the show is never tampered with, so we were treated to lots of traditional songs such as The Animals Went In Two By Two, Incy Wincy Spider, Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed and Down In The Jungle, as well as all the favourite Funbox characters and Kevin’s usual bad jokes (what’s red and invisible? No tomatoes).
Being a local lad, Kevin couldn’t resist a little jibe at the current development of one of the city’s landmarks – “What have they done to Union Terrace Gardens?!” – and he also didn’t miss the mark when firing a water pistol into the audience, much to the delight of the younger members of the crowd. When scolded by Anya for soaking paying customers, he replied: “Ach well, it’s the last tour!”
Audience participation
A big part of Funbox shows has always been audience participation, and this one was no different. We were encouraged to join in clapping, singing and jumping, with all the actions on show when the all-important keys were delivered by Funbox friends to open the locks – You and me, turn the key, open the locks of the… Funbox. Cha cha cha!
All the Funbox Funsters were involved, with some hilarious new additions including Gloria the gorilla – resplendent in a pink tutu – a Scouse lion called Brian, and the brilliantly named Jock Argyle the crocodile, who performed a little Highland jig for us.
The first part of the show drew to a close all too quickly but Anya said “dinna fash” as they would be returning after a 15-minute interval. That was plenty of time to get an ice cream for my nine-year-old daughter, who loved the show, as well as my son and his friend, who at 13 both still found plenty to enjoy.
Heartfelt message
The second part of the show began with Anya reading out some birthday messages before telling everyone Funbox would be finishing in September after seven years on the road. She said it had been a privilege to have entertained audiences over the years and the support they had received from their fans was what kept them going.
After that it was time for more fun with a baking scene that involved a soggy bottom and a man dressed like Biggles appearing from an oven, purely so Kevin could make a gag about the oven not working because “the pilot’s out”. That was one of his better ones and had us all laughing.
Sadly, thanks to Covid, the usual feature of children from the audience being taken on to the stage wasn’t possible. This was such a shame as it is often the standout section of the show and can lead to some hilarious unscripted moments.
Another tradition ended by the pandemic is the post-show meet and greet where Kevin and Anya used to spend time with their young fans after the performance.
These omissions were a real shame but perfectly understandable in the circumstances.
Bonzo the Dog
Bringing his own brand of craziness to the stage later in the show was everyone’s favourite dog – Bonzo.
Bonzo is a Funbox staple and had us in stitches with his tomfoolery, especially when he bent over and showed a rip in his trousers. Not to mention when he dressed in a shiny red shirt and danced about with maracas.
He even found time to take a call from someone asking if he wanted to be the next prime minister. I’m sure he’d do as good a job as any of the other candidates. Bonzo for PM!
Final farewell
And with that, it was over. The last Funbox show we’ll ever see in Aberdeen.
It’s such a shame their seven-year run has had to come to an end.
With Funbox, you know you are always guaranteed a show full of traditional family-friendly entertainment that you don’t necessarily get from other productions.
Faced with such a challenging financial climate, it is commendable the group have taken it upon themselves to do a final tour to give fans, young and old, a chance to say goodbye and enjoy one last afternoon of silliness.
My family and I enjoyed the last hurrah, and we hope that if circumstances improve, we may get to see a return of this fantastically fun stage show in the future.
Until then, it’s goodbye Funbox, and thanks for the memories.
Funbox will take their Jungle Party to Elgin Town Hall on Sunday August 7 and will also perform Funky Farm at Newtonhill’s Bettridge Centre on September 11. For details visit funbox.co.uk
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