Hansel and Gretel

Having already performed a musical in Summer 2021 huge credit must go to the team at Easy Street for also managing to include a pantomime in this season.  Congratulations to Director Sal Foster-Major who as well as directing could be spotted shifting scenery – real dedication to ensuring that these young people get on stage opportunities.

The traditional fairy story of Hansel & Gretel provided the backdrop to this humorous script which also managed to include a circus.  Joseph and Eliza as Hansel & Gretel were delightful in the title roles.   Ben was entertaining as the Dame Peggy Pumpernickle – he clearly takes his art seriously looking at the size of the heels on the shoes he was wearing!  Grace was confident in her portrayal of the dashing prince and was eloquently supported by Emilia as Wolfgang the Prince’s Page. Daisy was very strong as Heather (Principal Girl) – she was confident and entertaining without dominating.  Poppy was a beautiful Fairy Bluebell with a great dance routine en pointe.  The role of Nightshade, both evil witch and little old lady of the Gingerbread Cottage was well played by Gracie.  Wally – the Silly Billy of the piece - was Kadie who brought real energy and enthusiasm to this very funny character.

There were some great attempts to ensure that the casting portrayed the ages of the characters as far as is possible with a cast made up of young people.  Declan as the children’s downtrodden father Fritz and Amelie as Hildergard their stepmother were particularly effective in their roles.   Amelie was quite evil as the wicked stepmother and she pulled off a super transformation to be almost unrecognisable at the end of the production when she had been freed from the witches spell.   Freya as the Gamekeeper and Alecia as Nutmeg the Forager added a further touch of humour to the show.   

There was great support from members of the cast taking smaller roles including Olivia and Geri as the Ring Masters, Holly as Otto along with Nell and Ella as Sheryl and Russell – two cleverly named crows.  As always Easy Street works hard to ensure that there are lots of opportunities for as many members of the cast as possible to take part whether that be as a principal cast member, taking a lead in one of the production numbers or as part of the ensemble.   Well done to everyone on stage for working hard and being part of this super company.

Gareth Lloyd had made some great song selections with a mix of the popular and less well-known, but all suited the storyline.  I particularly enjoyed the final number ‘Spread the Love Around’ which the cast sang with great enthusiasm.   Amanda Tyas had choreographed the routines which the young people clearly enjoyed performing.

The set, sound, lights and costumes all worked really well, particularly as the crew will have only had a very limited time in the theatre.  The reversable Gingerbread Cottage was super and the balloon arch and decorations really added to the magical feel.

The group decided to have an online programme, which was bright, colourful and easily accessible.  I was delighted to see that it had been put together by an alumni of the company – similarly Social Media and Technical Crew also included past and present members – this is testament to the work that Easy Street do in that they aren’t just creating a future generation of performers,  they are also thinking about the range of other roles which are vital to the continuation of amateur theatre.

Well done to everyone involved.

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