Review: Peppi Pitkätossu

Pippi Longstocking relies on speed

Welcome to the world of Pippi Longstocking. That is, to a house called Huvikumpu, where everything is known to be crooked. There’s a horse living in the kitchen, there’s a bag full of gold coins on top of the cupboard, and the hostess is a nine-year-old red-haired girl who happens to be super strong.

A musical version of Astrid Lingren’s beloved classic has been created for the Helsinki City Theatre’s stage, Pippi Longstocking, which swings like a moose.

Pippi Longstocking makes even adults laugh

The two-hour play relies on movement and speed. At the center of the story are, of course, Pippi (Anna-Riikka Rajanen/Maija Koivisto), Tommi (Petrus Kähkönen) and Annika (Raili Raitala). The friends joke, jump, spin and skate on stage tirelessly. In addition to the trio, the movement includes the entire people of the small town, from school teachers to social aunts and circus workers.

Adult viewers are especially amazed by the tap-dancing cops Juppe and Jeppe chasing Pippi, as well as the silly robbers Jymy-Juntunen and Kukkanen, who visit Huvikumpu one night.

The play also has a deeper message

Pippi’s gentle anarchy, such as fart humour, horrible mannerisms and mishaps, made the child viewers of the premiere audience shudder. Adults are shown a long nose and they get fingered over and over again as they try to control Pippi – just like it should be in a proper children’s play.

But the play is not all commotion and laughter. Towards the end, more profound tones also come into play. Pippi, who lives alone, is brisk, but sometimes misses her pirate weather so much that her heart skips. And at the end, when the father finally arrives to pick up his daughter, Pippi has to make a choice. Should I go to sea with him or stay in Huvikumpu with my true friends, Tommi and Annika?

The age recommendation for the play is from 5 years old and up, and due to the two-hour duration and exciting chases, it is appropriate.

Helsinki City Theatre Pippi Longstocking, premiere 15.1., tickets 16 – 47 e.