Hans Christian Andersen Jr - A Musical Fable of Copenhagen

The WA Premiere of Hans Christian Andersen Jr - A Musical Fable of Copenhagen brought a sense of deja vu for anyone familiar with the Danny Kaye, Hans Christian Andersen film, as it contains the same songs. While from memory, the tale is quite different, it has a lovely sense of nostalgia, and the young cast bring the story to life beautifully.

Simply set, director Carole Dhu fills the stage with actors (there are 29 in the cast from 5 to 18 years of age) in colourful and striking costumes. Well-rehearsed, the cast have a great sense of place and purpose and bring energy and understanding to every scene.

Luke Willman anchors the show with panache in the title role of (Hans) Christian Andersen, bringing an earnest and sincere performance. His parents were nicely portrayed with Max Bonner, strong as Hans Andersen, and Poppy Warburton, particularly impressive as mother Anne-Marie.

Our quiet heroine, bathchair bound Princess Caroline, was given depth and charm by Josie Fahl, while Paisley McCormack was energetic and dynamic as her sister Vilhemina. Fellow students come narrators Guilder and Crantz were given verve and life by Stephanie Fahl and Sienna Scarfe. Their teacher Headmistress Thager was nicely brought to life by Izzy Pritchard

Lovely work from Bonnie Creelman and Caleb Archer, a sausage seller and fishmonger who befriend young Christian. Darien Peckover was steadfast as both the Royal Guard and king of Denmark, while Isabella Adley was sweet as Princess Caroline’s Nurse.

Lots of lovely cameos including Shaynna Peckover’s haunting presence as The Little Match Girl and Lacey McCormack’s dynamic Ugly Duckling, but every member of the cast was working hard, many in multiple roles.

Working to a professional backing track the cast sounded great, and had the audience tapping and swaying along to the familiar songs.

Kimberley Shaw