THEATRE REVIEWS

Hansel and Gretel Review – Rose Theatre

HANSEL & GRETEL

A review by Tanya Howard

I saw Hansel and Gretel at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, and unlike the dark fairy tale written by Brothers Grimm, Ciaran McConville has given it an overall showcasing girl power, bravery and magic. Not only is this a wholesome family fun show, but it also had an incredible set that was full of Christmas magic.

On the stage there was a giant storybook and after the opening scene with three fairies who talk of magic and make it clear they will be our narrators throughout the story of Hansel and Gretel the book opens to reveal an incredible digital backdrop. The pages turn to reveal images of the haunted forest, Circe’s dungeon and the hideout of Grub with cut outs that revealed hidden cast and wove into the scenes.

In the town of Freiburg, the story begins with the Major discussing the amazing opportunity he offers to orphans each year, sending them to the capital to gain an education. Hansel and Gretel are the chosen pair and are sent into the woods with the Huntsman who drugs and leaves them behind as it’s becomes obvious there is an ulterior motive for the trip to the woods.

The spot the Huntsman has left them is where the witch of the woods sends her crows to collect the left behind children, which is the only reason that Freiburg is surviving the famine taking down surrounding towns. Hansel and Gretel wake up before the crows arrive and after also escaping a bear they are found by Red Riding Hood and taken to Grub, where fairy tale characters hide from Circe, the witch.

They perform a great song called Life Is Not A Fairytale and it’s great to see a different take on the lives of fairy tale characters away from the usual happily ever after. Cinderella tells Gretel how their Mum is actually the Good Witch who left them when they were young to take on Circe. She gives Gretel a note and pendant from her Mum that says she has magic in her too.

After stumbling across the Witch’s Gingerbread and being trapped in her dungeon, Hansel and Gretel (along with other trapped orphans from town, manage to outsmart and escape the dungeon. Not before Hansel slipped up and let Circe know the location of Grub though so it’s a race against time as to who will get there first. The witch and her wolf defeat those still at Grub but Hansel and Gretel stumble upon the Bear that chased them before but realise it wants to help.

Back in town they defeat the witch, with an incredible magic showdown using the storybook backdrop, and the bear turns into their Mum who was cursed by the witch during their battle. They run the major out of town, electing Hansel and Gretel’s Mum to take over the position, and let the poor and needy into town. Everyone is reunited, and they have a big party culminating in a dance number alongside a great song.

The whole cast had a great chemistry and so much energy, but Sylvie Varcoe and Oliver Smith were outstanding and the perfect match as squabbling siblings, and Vanessa Fisher was a great Red Riding Hood putting a sassy spin on the character. The Gingerbread House and set for this scene went above and beyond, with actual food being used including a chocolate fountain filled well.

Despite a few sound issues with mic changes, which I’m sure were only first night issues, the show was a truly magical performance full of joy, comedy, music and inspiration to find your inner strength.

Photo Credit: Mark Douet