Hansel and Gretel
Another of a trio of shows losing their opening weekends to Covid in the cast, Hansel and Gretel has opened to a shortened season.
One of the most delightful things about pantomime is seeing children enjoying theatre, perhaps for the very first time. Over fifty years since my first pantomime at two-and-a-half, I still can remember specific details, and I have seen quite a few shows since. Cast of Hansel and Gretel, you may be forming long-term memories. The season has plenty of matinees to cater for those with early bedtimes.
This is traditional pantomime, with most of the elements an aficionado would expect. We probably could have used a little bit of a tutorial on audience responses at the beginning, but this predominantly young audiences soon got into the swing of things.
A colourful set, with wings that swing and some large set pieces, designed by Celeste Lopez, serves the show well, and the costumes, co-ordinated by Christine Ellis are bright and fun. The best costumes, specially designed by Annette Stivaletta, are worn by delightful dame, Dame Dyspepsia Do-Good, played with a wink and a nod by an unrecognisable and blonde Robrecht Herfkens in his dame debut - showing off some gorgeous frocks.
The title roles are played by Lilah Stivaletta, sweet as Gretel and Scarlett Gott-Cumbers, in breeches, showing lovely swagger as brother Hansel. Despite expectations, these are not really the Principal Boy and Girl. That honour goes to kitchen maid Lucy Lockett - played with lovely voice by Tahlia Verna - in a huge departure from her last role at Roxy - the child villain in The Children’s Hour, and Nöel Florence sincere as forester Karl.
Every pantomime needs a good villain or two, and we are treated to a few. Christine Ellis relishes her appearances and audience boos as Attroicia, the wicked witch, while bad guy Sir Rupert De Rottweiler, Mayor of the Town, is played with malice by Gregory Hopson. Having fun as “evil henchmen” are a comedic duo of Potz and Panz, played by Kezia George and child actor Lachlan Anderson - demonstrating impressive teamwork.
Good fairies are practically a pantomime necessity, and this one has a slightly bohemian feel and the sort of Scottish accent that is perfect for a fairy, as played by Amanda Alderson.
Working the audience with skill and rapport is Hannah Prowse in pants as Dickie Dymwit. A small ensemble - Luke Heath, Charlotte Weber, Jayda Greenup and Catherine Jane, are kept busy playing small roles and supporting the action.
At times this show was a little rough and ready and there are a couple of times when the script appears to cue an action such as a scene with ghosts or a song, then doesn’t follow through, but it has a lovely, relaxed feel - and there are some nice songs under the guidance of Musical Director Charlie Baker.
A little-engine-that-could of a show that leaves you with a smile.
Kimberley Shaw
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