Rumplestiltskin is My Name

That the Youth Theatre productions (more than 90 shows altogether) grossed almost as much as Main House shows with more than double this number of performances in 2012, surprised me.

But interpret these data carefully: access to the theatre is easier on weekends and weekdays. Nearby Suncorp Stadium is home to more football events every year; their fans grab parking spaces early making BAT less attractive to evening theatregoers on footie nights.

All things considered, BAT Youth Theatre has a long tradition of predictably enjoyable entertainment for loyal fans. It embraces everything parents expect: familiar stories, characters for their kids to love, and love to hate   ̶  princesses for girls, heroes for boys  ̶  and a chance to express their feelings. Particular favourite here was Jester (Peter Harvey, whose physical comedy antics had the audience in stitches). Darcy Love (Rumpelstiltskin) revelled in his role, attracting audience support initially, then boos and hisses as the kids discovered his ambiguity. The girls loved that working class Laura could become a Queen and learnt to beware of mother-in-law (Margot Kelly – impressive in her part).

Director Michael Webber and Jennifer Webber (Musical Director) must be proud of their cast in this production that engages the whole family.

Special credits to the Wardrobe personnel who created great costumes.

May BAT Youth Theatre continue to provide wholesome family entertainment for the 6 to 80 year olds.

Jay McKee