ALTHOUGH ONE of the best-known Brothers Grimm tales, for almost 100 years theatrical versions of Hansel and Gretel have been children’s plays and seldom presented as traditional pantomimes. Why is not clear, as the story contains almost all the elements needed for a successful adaptation ~ strong story, wicked witch and good triumphing over what appears a terrible occurrence.
Tread the Boards Youth Music Theatre’s production of Norman Robbins’ version of, to his mind, a wrongly neglected masterpiece, opened at the Gardyne Theatre, Dundee, last night, writes a theatre critic.
Set in the village of Pumpernickel, the Forest Fairy and Attrocia, the Witch, battle for the residents. Attrocia builds the gingerbread house to entice Hansel and Gretel, but events stop short before they are eaten.
Kirsty Jones as the principal boy Karl and Jennifer Bisset as Lucy Lockett shine in their respective roles as do Aimee Murray as the Forest Fairy and Tricia Stewart as Attrocia.
Hansel and Gretel were played confidently last night by Robbie Wallace and Rachel Weir. They share the title roles with Edward Marriage and Katie Lynch, and Jamie Thomas and Alex Robertson during the run.
There were many outstanding performances in this excellent production.
Comedy is in the capable hands of Brian Boardman as Dame Do-Good, with fine back-up from Greg Davidson as Dickie Dymwit, Ross Cameron as Sir Rupert, the evil mayor of Pumpernickel, and Stuart Whyte and Brendan McKeown as his bungling bailiffs Potz and Panz.
Singing and dancing from the company is of the highest calibre ~ this is family entertainment at its best.
Produced and directed by Brian and Agnes Boardman.
Panto at its very best
The Evening Telegraph
Tread The Boards Youth Music Theatre hit the stage last night with this pantomime version, of one of the Brothers Grimm’s best-loved tales, writes Jan Souter.
And, if you believe in this hi-tech age, the appeal of traditional panto is waning ~ think again! The audience, predominantly children, were totally enthralled, raising the roof.
Set in Pumpernickel village, Forest Fairy (Aimee Murray) and witch Attrocia (Tricia Stewart) are in a tug-of-war. In a bid to feed her child-eating addiction, the entrancing Attrocia builds a Gingerbread House into which she lures Hansel and Gretel, who wandered into the woods to collect berries for their aunt ~ but is Attrocia the one who gets her desserts?
Full of fun and laughter, this is family entertainment at its best with the young cast giving performances which bely their years.
Last night’s Hansel (Robbie Wallace) and Gretel (Rachel Weir) were adorable, capturing the roles they share with Edward Marriage, Katie Lynch, Jamie Thomas and Alex Robertson. Kirsty Jones, as Karl, is a charming principal boy while Jennifer Bisset is a delightful Lucy Lockett, maid to mayor Sir Rupert, played with aplomb by Ross Cameron, aided and abetted by bungling bailiffs, Potz (Stuart Whyte) and Panz (Brendan McKeown).
Brian Boardman is an outstanding dame, while Greg Davidson is a resounding success as Dickie Dymwit, a particular favourite with my young companion.
Other roles were ably executed by Stephen Millar, Vikki Simpson, Matthew Millar, Seonade Sparey and a superb chorus.
Produced and directed by Brian and Agnes Boardman, this colourful, magical show never lacks pace, serving up all the ingredients which make panto great. Make sure you get a share
