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Hansel & Gretel
Derby Theatre
***** This fable is probably the most
well-known fairy tale written by the German Brothers Grimm, first
published in 1812. Hansel and Gretel are a young brother and sister
kidnapped by a crafty cannibalistic witch living in the forest in a
house of cake, confectionery, and candy. The two children of course escape by outwitting
her in a manner which will delight all aficionados of the modern story,
and film, Home Alone. Mike Kenny is responsible for this adaptation,
before him the tale was adapted into the now famous opera of the same
name, in 1893, by Engelbert Humperdinck. The original has an indisputably dark edge.
However, rest easy parents. This production is light, child friendly,
with plenty of song, dance, and laughter. I had a five and
seven-year-old with me to ensure I had someone’s hand to hold if things
became a little scary! We were fine. At showtime, the set designed by Neil Irish
immediately impresses, but as the company arrive on stage, it is the
work of Tim Heywood, Costume Designer and Head of Wardrobe which
enchants and beguiles.
There are Rooks. Lots of them. They combine an
other worldly Gothic appearance - the males wearing large Georgian coats
- with that of nomadic troubadours, replete with colour, sparkle,
movement, fantasy and sheer joie-de- vivre. Always ready with a song to
move the narrative along. The children, Hansel, played by the ebullient
Craig Anderson, and Gretel, played by the coquettish Yana Penrose, start
off spoiled, then become lured and trapped by the evil witch, before
tricking her, resulting in ingredients not to be found in Mary Berry’s
recipe book in the oven! It is a classic morality tale with a song and
dance never far away. Physically, the most impressive moment is the
transformation of the deceptive candy house into the malevolent witch’s
kitchen with its infamous oven . . . Christopher Price excels, as Ginger the Witch. It
is a very difficult part to play, but he offers the right amount of
specious allure to draw the children in, before morphing into evil, but
not so much evil that it disturbs the children in the audience. He succeeds spectacularly with his song Oh
Boy the musical highlight of the evening. Five year old audience
member Jacob muttered, “I hate you”, as the Witch tricked the children –
Christopher Price will take that as the compliment it is intended to be! Director Sarah Brigham has once again
demonstrated her ability to mould a classic story for a modern audience,
combining entertainment with jeopardy, to forge a hugely satisfying
production. Fabulous family Christmas entertainment with a
proper narrative, edge, humour, colour and fun. Runs until Saturday 5th
January. Gary Longden 04-12-18 |
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