Cast, Doncaster – until 24th December 2025
Reviewed by Sophie Dodworth
4****
Young or old, the very popular tale of Hansel and Gretel is known by so many of us that for most, there are memories of this story, whether that be reading it to your offspring or remembering it being read to you in your youth, many moons ago for some of us. One day when the two children wander deep into the woods, they become lost, after the breadcrumbs they drop are eaten by birds! They stumble upon a wonderful house made entirely of gingerbread and start to eat it when suddenly, the wicked witch appears. She lures the pair in to a trap, locking Hansel in a cage! Will he be able to escape?…
The cast of two is made up by Adrien Spencer playing Gretel and Kameron Skeene as Hansel. Both are full to the brim of exactly the right amount of energy needed to entertain an auditorium, full of little ones for a full hour. They grab the attention of the children right from the start, with audience participation and weaving themselves in and out of the crowd. They also handle lots of impromptu shouts from the audience, which cannot be ignored as the room is so intimate! They deal with it with ease and incorporate it into the show, which is a challenge! With the ability to act, sing and dance, the pair make up a solid team to take this show right through until the end of December.
The duo on stage worked rather seamlessly at changing the set and making it appear effortless, even though when it came to erecting the gingerbread house, that surely can not have been all that easy, there was certainly a slight gasp during that change!
With only the two actors carrying the whole production, it relied heavily on its visual world and thankfully, the lighting design rose brilliantly to the challenge. Dynamic, colourful and meticulously timed, the lighting kept the stage alive and engaging throughout, adding layers of energy and atmosphere that sustained the momentum from start to finish. It proved that even a small cast can deliver a rich, captivating experience when supported by inventive visual work. Great work from Lighting Designer Lee Walker.
The second space at Cast Theatre is certainly one of the best for smaller productions, but this time, the typical theatre seating has been removed and the audience are seated on school-type benches, with chairs at the back, and all on one level, creating some challenges for visibility and comfort, if there is no space on the chairs at the back.
Overall, this vibrant retelling of Hansel and Gretel serves up a sweet slice of festive magic. It is clearly crafted with younger children in mind, but it’s warm heart and seasonal sparkle make it a charming addition to the Christmas theatre calendar for families of all ages.