Arabian Nights – The Courtyard Stratford Upon Avon

There are some moments in theatre when you just have to take a chance. A £10 ticket offer on Facebook for top price seats was just one of the moments. A family show by the RSC at the end of January not a must see but reviews outstanding and a bargain ticket so why not.

And what a good choice that proved to be – Arabian Nights is not only a good show, it rates up their with one of the best shows for many a year.

The king has been betrayed by his wife and therefore is only marrying for one night before despatching his poor wifes to the executioner. Shaharazad is determined to buck the trend – her neck is on the line next  – and sets out to tell the king one of her famous stories.

So begins the night as we see a selection of the famous Arabian Night tales. Its a gripping sight from the outset as this multi taleted cast use every theatrical trick in the book to thrill audiences of all ages.

Thanks to War Horse puppers now seem to be a requirement for many theatre shows and Arabian Nights is no differnent but here they are integrated seemlessly into the action with some ingenious twists.

It just shows that sometimes its best just to take a shot in the dark with your theatre bookings.