Hansel & Gretel

The classic German fairytale is revisited here by young Brighton theatre company Lantern Light, aimed at a family audience. With a well thought out set, that utilises much of the interior of the venue, excellent costumes, some interactive games and role play with the younger members of the audience, plus a few songs, the story largely sticks to the Grimm version (itself a slight update on the original tale), whilst embellishing the back story but rather unfortunately shying away from the brutal survival trick enacted by Gretel (tricking and then shoving the witch in the oven…). Still, in the hands of this small ensemble the story is expertly told, continuing to be a parable about growing up and dealing with what life has to throw at you. It’s a brave show that doesn’t hide behind lighting trickery, and the nature of the set up (the audience face each each other while the action occurs in-between) means we get to see the actors up close, where every gesture and word counts. The show continues on 23 December, 2Pm & 7pm

Unitarian Church, 14 Dec

Rating: