Battlefield Blues is a madcap story that may leave you scratching your head at the end – but the journey to get there is quite a trip, and it’s filled with many laughs.

When: 22 September – 3 October, Wednesdays and Saturdays 2pm and 4pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays just 4pm.

Where:  Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Street, ABBOTSFORD

Cost:  Adult $20, Child $12.50, book tickets and more information.

Our trusty narrator

Set in the grounds of Abbotsford Convent this performance follows a group of Chess pieces grappling with life in the 3D world on the other side of their board (at least I think that’s what was happening).  The story line doesn’t really matter, it was delivered in such a way that you couldn’t help but get swept away with the silliness.

Whilst the producers suggested Battlefield audiences should be aged 8+ my seven year old adored every moment and was actually bestowed with the honour of best audience member at the end… his enthusiasm was possibly on the verge of bubbling over.  Charlie enjoys a good show – but he’s also restless.  So a production that involves brisk walking (or in Charlie’s case running) was possibly the best thing ever.  Not one scene went for more than 10 minutes and it was filled with plenty of silly pantomime type humour.  Immi (9, almost 10) and her friend were also at the front of the action volunteering for any requests for assistance.

Surprisingly (well it was to me as I thought it was a kids show) 2/3rds of the audience were in fact adults – and sometimes productions of this ilk can be fab for the kids but a little naff to me, but I too was happily drawn in and enjoyed plenty of chuckles.

It was pretty chilly this afternoon – but the show goes on (unless it’s properly raining cats and dogs) and so it’s a good idea to grab a hot drink to hold before the show (the Convent Bakery make a good coffee but an awful hot chocolate).  And bring an umbrella.  But you know Melbourne, by Friday it could be 27C and blue sky!

I would also recommend that you wear walking shoes and be comfortable with a bit of walking and standing (and there is some climbing of stairs – so it wouldn’t suit prams or wheelchairs).  Our performance went for just over an hour.  You also don’t need any real prior knowledge of how to play chess.

I hope we see more performances from the team behind Battlefield Blues!