Theatre / Reviews
Review: Hansel & Gretel, Tobacco Factory Theatres – ‘A Christmas banger of a show’
Always one of my favourite festive family appointments, I’m pleased to report that in Hansel & Gretel, Tobacco Factory Theatres have another Christmas banger on their hands.
It’s a lively co-production between TFT and veteran theatremakers New International Encounter, who brought the practically perfect winter solstice-inspired folk tale, The Snow Queen to Bristol for two years on the trot in 2022 and 2023.
From the off, it’s clear that this ensemble is having enormous fun with the Brothers Grimm source material.
is needed now More than ever
And mercifully, they have found an elegant way to navigate the darkness of the fairytale, never ignoring it, but imbuing the narrative with levity, and a rich variety of live music and singing – from folk to skiffle and jazz.
This richness serves to lift Hansel & Gretel into a production that will truly appeal to an intergenerational audience; a show in which the cast reassure us that the trauma of this particular story happened a long time ago, imploring us in song: “Please, don’t be concerned”.
As they circle the stage playing an impressive assortment of instruments – a range that continues to expand as the show continues – the five strong cast of actor-musicians set our scene.
Staged in the round, to great effect, we find ourselves in the middle of a wintery forest, where snow gathers on tree stumps and branches, and a family is struggling to face down a perennial lack of food.
Martin Bonger and Joey Hickman are having a ball as Nicholas and Nigel, the parents of our titular characters – whose errant decision it is, ultimately, to leave their children to try and fend for themselves.
The loyal, steadfast Hansel (Abayomi Oniyide) is an excellent foil for the naïvely courageous Gretel (Stefanie Mueller), both of whom ably puppet smaller versions of themselves throughout.
And before long, as we all recall, the children find themselves at the door of a gingerbread and candy-made cottage, of which – well, we know the rest, right?
Well, not quite. This adaptation is so much more of an uplifting show than perhaps the Brothers Grimm would have thought possible.
The energy and imagination brought to bear on the very sparse scenery nevertheless does the job of putting us right there in that mysterious forest clearing. There are deft treatments of scale that help move the storytelling on, and all those magical touches that you’d hope for in making those family theatre memories.
We are also treated to a slew of local and contemporary references, a dollop of audience interaction and plenty of breaking the fourth wall, which keeps the older audience members amused.
But it’s the standout performance from Samantha Sutherland as ‘Lady’ that elevates the show still further. In her thick glasses, red bonnet and wellies, she makes for a truly wonderful witch.
Her chosen tone is a delicious combination of evil and funny that allows her the latitude to delve into cartoonish panto villain-esque gesticulation, while also admitting “they’ll be laughing at me down at the coven”.
My entire family grinned our way through this two-hour show, and no wonder. As we wrap up, on a nourishing note of forgiveness, understanding, and optimism, there is a deservedly huge wave of applause – and a little fresh snowfall, of course.
Hansel & Gretel is at Tobacco Factory Theatres on November 28-January 19 at 7pm, with lots of additional 2pm matinee shows. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
All photos: Craig Fuller
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