Grimm Tales, Summer 2003, The Dukes, Lancaster
Production photos : review
The theatrical experience starts as soon as you go into Williamson Park, huge trees, dense undergrowth secluded paths. You're immediately transported in time and place, you're a child about to be get lost in the woods and feel the forest closing in as you as you approach the first scene. Despite it being early July and only 7.15 the light has gone under the trees.
Sitting on tree trunks, the story of Ashputtel (Cinderella) is played out before you. Not the usual one you knew as a child but recognisable and intense. The real world was left at the park gates - what you're now part of is magic. You know who the villains are, you know who's going to win but this is unimportant. The stage effects are gruesomely real, but at the back of your mind you know it's not really happening, yet you're not quite sure!
There are four tales in the first half. The setting is ideal, the second scene being in a deep ravine with the audience again seated on tree trunks tiered on either side of the 'stage'. What laugher there was as the unfortunate boy who wouldn't share had a nasty accident while cutting down a tree. What joy when the simpleton shared his meager fare and was handsomely rewarded.
As the scene changes the audience moved from place the place with good humor, still lost in the performance.
Even during the 30 minute interval the action continued with a puppet show.
Hansel & Gretel - I don't need to tell you the story, just comment on the badness of the mother, the goodness of the father, the wickedness of the witch and the warm glow we felt as she was pushed into the smoking oven! The portrayals were excellent.
The final scene saw three stories. I've never laughed so much for ages as the well-endowed donkey gyrated and shook invisible gold coins out of its rear end and the evil inn-keeper finally got his just desert.
This was true entertainment for the whole family, who says the art of storytelling is finished? I was taken back to telling stories to my children. The younger members of the audience loved it - but how much? There was never any fidgeting, just openmouthed wide-eyed wonder. No need to ask - they loved it, children love being told stories no matter how old they are. Where else would you see the entire front row of 9 to 13 year old boys who had run in front of the rest of us to get the best seats. If you need something to tell you how good it was don't take my view take theirs!
Alan Chard