A Comedy Double Bill 'The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon'

The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon, directed by Neil Ogden, was simply fantastic. From the moment the young cast stepped onto the stage, it was clear that this production was bursting with energy, creativity, and genuine enjoyment. These young performers had such determination and comedic instinct, and what stood out most was how much fun they were clearly having. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and the audience responded with constant laughter and engagement.

I must commend every young performer in this cast. The way they switched roles, sometimes in the blink of an eye, was executed with precision and confidence. This play demands quick transitions, bold character choices, and strong vocal clarity, and the cast delivered all three with impressive skill. The dialogue, which is fast‑paced and often deliberately chaotic, was handled with excellent timing.

The Narrators, Codie Smale and Mia Arnold, were outstanding. They executed the storytelling with wit, confidence, and a brilliant sense of comedic timing. Their ability to guide the audience through the madness of the Grimm tales while maintaining a playful, self‑aware tone was superb. They held the show together with charisma and clarity, and their chemistry made every scene they led a joy to watch. Eli McIntosh, who played the Devil, Dwarf, and Hansel, was exceptionally good at delivering dry humour. His deadpan expressions, controlled delivery, and sharp timing made him a standout. Eli has a natural instinct for comedy, and his ability to shift between characters with distinct physicality and vocal choices was impressive.

Bonnie Blair as Rapunzel and Dwarf 1 brought a delightful energy to the stage. Her expressive reactions and commitment to each character made her scenes memorable. She balanced humour with sincerity, especially in the Rapunzel scenes, which added depth to the comedy. Crystal English, playing the Girl, Doctor, and Gretel, showed excellent versatility. She moved between roles with ease, bringing a strong sense of character to each one. Her portrayal of Gretel was particularly charming, with great comedic timing and expressive delivery. Giada De Rosa, who played the Actor, Prince, and God (Voice), demonstrated excellent stage presence. Her comedic instincts were sharp, and she handled the exaggerated nature of the Prince with confidence and flair. Her vocal work as “God” was hilarious and well‑delivered.

Isabelle Ryan, playing Cinderella and the Devil’s Grandmother, brought warmth and humour to her roles. Her Cinderella was sweet and engaging, while her Devil’s Grandmother was wonderfully eccentric. Lena Lisiecka, as Rumpelstiltskin, Witch, and Devil, was a powerhouse of energy. She threw herself into each role with bold choices, strong physicality, and excellent comedic timing. Her Rumpelstiltskin was particularly funny, full of mischief and personality. Lily Clarke‑Chadwick, playing the Dirt Merchant and Enchantress, delivered clear, confident performances. She handled the quirky humour of her roles with charm and precision. Sophie Whitehead, as Snow White and Witch, brought great characterisation to both roles. Her Snow White was delightfully over‑the‑top, and her Witch had excellent comedic bite.

Overall, The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon was a triumph, funny, fast‑paced, and brilliantly performed. These young actors should be incredibly proud of what they achieved.

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