Hansel and Gretel at the Rose Theatre in Kingston – Review

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5 out of 5 stars

Written by Ciaran Mc Conville and directed by Rosie Jones, with songs by Eamonn O’Dwyer, the Rose Theatre’s production of Hansel and Gretel is truly a fantastic production to behold. 

I attended the performance with my 3-year-old nephew who is a tough critic and he loved it. He was completely enthralled by the experience from the enchanting staging to the characters in the play, favourite characters being the wolf and the witch.

Hansel and Gretel at the Rose Theatre. (Orange Team) Original story by Brothers Grimm. A festive new version by Ciaran McConville. Music & Lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer. Directed by Rosie Jones. Photo by Mark Douet

In Ciaran McConville adaptation of Hansel and Gretel we meet various other characters from beloved Grimm fables like the feisty street-savvy Red Riding Hood (played by Vanessa Fisher).

Hansel and Gretel journey through the forest, where they also meet Rapunzel, Snow White, Cinderella and Pinocchio. They finally encounter the terrifying Circe The Witch (played by Georgina White)  as she catches them eating her gingerbread house.  

The performances by the young actors from the Rose Youth Theatre were splendid. They star alongside five professional actors, Vanessa White, Vanessa Fisher, Elliot Fitzpatrick, JJ Henry and Devon Black. Jane Horrocks plays the voice of the Magic Mirror.

Hansel and Gretel at the Rose Theatre. (Green Team) Original story by Brothers Grimm. A festive new version by Ciaran McConville. Music & Lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer. Directed by Rosie Jones. Photo by Mark Douet

The staging and visual effects by set designer Adam Wiltshire, video designer/animator Letty Fox and illustrator Lucie Arnoux, were magical, they quite literally brought a storybook to life.

Hansel and Gretel runs from Thursday 6 Dec to Sun 6 Jan at the Rose Theatre in Kingston. I highly recommend it.