Don’t be fooled by the name, Kneehigh Theatre’s performances are anything but small productions for kids. The company (who usually operate their productions from barns in Cornwall), manage to captivate adults and children alike with their challenging, creative performances.
Because of their usual setting the company have endeavoured to make truly inspired sets that encourage the audience to use their imagination to visualise the scene, which serves to draw us even further into their fairy tale world. For the adults amongst the audience Annie Siddons script works on two levels delighting the children with plenty of slapstick and obvious humour whilst dropping in lots of innuendos that sail harmlessly above the heads of the minors but allow the teenagers to feel in on the joke.
Kneehigh Theatre’s retelling of Rapunzel has a somewhat sinister twist and for the first time I could truly appreciate the darker side of this fairy tale. Edith Tankus was utterly believable as the young Rapunzel who was abandoned in a pumpkin patch by her father after her mothers death. Rapunzel is found by an elderly herbalist Mother Gothel who teaches Rapunzel the qualities of the herbs and plants around her but as Rapunzel comes of age she fears that Rapunzel will leave her and fearful of losing her to a man she locks her in a tower.
Mike Shepherd’s portrayal of Gothel was fantastically chilling “who said all herbalists are healers?” he asserted, just after he had pulled out Patrizio’s eyes with a pair of scissors. He was equally fantastic as Paulo and his scenes with his weedier young brother evoked plenty of laughter.
Paul Hunter deserves an extra special mention – he’s like a cross between Noddy Holder and Ade Edmonson and his portrayal of slippery customer Ambrosi was nothing short of genius – it’s worth getting a ticket just to see his brilliant explanation of inflation.
The performance is slick and the cast also provide the fantastic musical accompaniment. It’s the perfect family outing, there’s something in there for everyone.
SUMMARY:
An amazing script, fantastic scenery and absolute commitment from the excellent cast, what more could you ask for?
