Hansel and Gretel

Hansel and Gretel is probably one of the more darker fairy tales told by the Brothers Grimm, which is probably why there aren't as many, or at least, don't seem to be that many versions of this Panto. So, how does a tale with not that many characters work as a pantomime? I guess the easiest way is to loosely base the plot around the story, add some colourful costumes interspersed with song and dance whilst throwing in a few new characters for good measure. This is exactly what Sue Mosley, writer of forementioned Panto has done.

Panto Dame Dorothea and Jacob, played by Carl Lis and David Sharrod, are skint and can no longer afford to keep their Children, Hansel and Gretel. Carl and David make a good double act together with both working the audience well throughout.

Their children, Hansel and Gretel were capably played by Jake Tathem and and Gill Denby - Gill's more erudite character being the leader of the two, whilst Jake's Hansel could give any village idiot a run for their money. The Fairies step in to help, offering to take them under their wing (so to speak) until Dorothea and Jacob manage to get themselves more financially stable - even in Fairy Tales, the cost of living crisis hits!

As with all pantomimes, things never go smoothly, with Murlock the trainee fairy messing up the job and losing the two in the woods. With Laraine Sullivan donning the tights of Murlock, we knew the role was in safe hands - even if Hansel and Gretel weren't.

As the story goes, the two chance upon a gingerbread house, and it's delicious - but all is not as it seems as the tennant is the wonderfully played (by Wendy Moorhouse) Witch Grotaboggatt, henched by her henchman Grimley, played with relish by Chris Beesley.

As you would expect there's a dashing prince, Argan (Mel Edgar) on hand to save the day.

With other characters Willow, Allura, Gallen, Otto and Tuskin - Lynn Rishworth, Shelagh Fagan, Ralph Sullivan, Tracy Joel and Sarah Proctor adding to the shenanigans you can guarantee a fun night to be had by all.

Last, but by no means least, we had the Pesky Pixies, played by Barry Cascarino, John Emsley and Paul Berry - think Last of the Summer wine, but berets instead of wellies, and you won't go too far wrong.

Interspersed between all of this was a chorus providing energetic song and dance moves between and during the scenes- most seemed to be enjoying themselves. One of the things with chorus songs/dances, the audiences eyes are always drawn to the person who either stands out for being a cut above, or stands out because they're not putting the same level of effort in as everyone around them.

Staging was generally clever use of cloths and props, with complementary lighting and sound. As ever, Ingleton provided us with an captivating flourescent lit scene.

Choreography by Ellie Brown was effective and energetic, with the chorus working hard with the movement.

Singing coordinator/Musical Director, Wendy Moorhouse had obviously worked hard with the cast in this.

Director, Liz Cartmell had evidently pushed the cast with this one and all was there to see.

Thank you Ingleton, for your invite and hospitality.

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