RISSCHT! The Little Match Girl

A retelling of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic tale, RISSCHT! The Little Match Girl, by The Open Lid Ensemble is a sensitive, gentle piece set in a modern city.

Told mostly through dance and movement, there is very little dialogue. Lovely imagery in both the stage pictures and the simple cityscape set created by the ensemble. A simple but beautiful looking production, it is nicely costumed by Anne-Marie Piccoli. Music is integral and emotive, well created by Michael Biagioni and Isaura Malika.

The title character, played by Courtney Turner, is a vulnerable, frail and hungry homeless teenager, who is overlooked by the people around her who refuse to acknowledge her. A beautiful and tender performance, Courtney gives the central character life and verve and allows us to develop great empathy for her situation.

A strong ensemble work well throughout, playing multiple roles both in the ‘real’ world and in the memories and imagination sparked as the Little Match Girl strikes a match – the “RISSCHT!” of the title. Lovely work from Kat Shaw, Amanda Watson, Sinead O’Hara and Hannah Evelyn, creating lovely broad-stroke characters and using wonderful facial expression.

RISSCHT! The Little Match Girlis a sweet little show, suitable for all ages and very well received by the audience.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Sarah O Flanagan.