Hull Truck Theatre – until 29th December 2024
Reviewed by Dawn Bennett
5*****
Rapunzel (Megan Crossland) loves reading, she’s reads anything and everything from mysteries and fairytales to cookbooks and poems, and she really likes Christmas as well and wants to leave her house and experience it in other places but something is stopping her. Her Mum (Amy Thompson) has tried everything to get Rapunzel to leave the comfort of her books and her bedroom but she really can’t. She would much rather read her books and disappear into a fantasy world where she feels safe and anyway, she needs to sort out her very, very long unruly hair before she can go anywhere!
Six days before Christmas she is looking out of her bedroom window and sees someone in the garden, it’s Robin (Jo Patmore) who is with their teddy bear, Theo. Robin is making up a story and when they spot Rapunzel they try and get them involved, asking them to add something to the story. Rapunzel is used to reading about things so getting her to make up her own story is a struggle.
Rapunzel’s Mum sees Robin and, without Rapunzel knowing, asks them if they will come back the next day as she really needs a friend, and this might make her come outside. Mum also says that if they will come back that she will give them a Christmas present! So, will Robin be able to help Rapunzel? Will she be brave enough to come outside?
Rapunzel is a delightful production which was written and directed by Tom Saunders. This would be an ideal introduction to theatre for young children. It has a very talented cast, an easy-to-follow storyline, a great set and costumes (designed by Amy Watts) singing, dancing and lots of audience participation! It was a lovely way to spend an hour and I would 100% recommend this fabulous show. Catch it while you can!