Forget about the bleak Brothers Grimm story of Hansel & Grettel, because Oxford’s Creation Theatre has taken the famous fairy tale and turned into a glorious all-singing-all-dancing Christmassy romp in the forests, full of music, jokes and laughter.
Throw in some original music, hilarious choreography, a 10 minute megamix, and a host of enticing characters; from birds and animals to goblins, this Hansel & Grettel is shaping up to be a great night out to enjoy during the festive season.
Running at the North Wall from Dec 1 – Jan 4, rehearsals are already underway with a vibrant cast of six waiting to take you on an adventure with them. And they can’t wait! READ OUR REVIEW OF CREATION’S 2023 CHRISTMAS SHOW HERE
“While the show is true to the original story it’s lightened up with lots of jokes and laughter. It’s a beautiful balance,” Hayley Murray, who plays Grettel, tells us.
“A lot of the joy comes from the music and the songs which moves between so many genres; from gospel and David Bowie to Shirley Bassey and country. But the production itself is also cinematic, immersive, emotional, funny and very Christmassy,” Creation’s Helen Eastman tells us.
“So while we are true to the traditional Hansel & Grettel story, without any pot boiling, this is basically a festive fairy story which plays out in the woods, making it perfect for 5-105 year-olds, which is why we’ve already got lots of primary school children booked in.”
Connor Keetley, who plays Hansel, is already hugely immersed in the whole Creation experience and loving every minute. Hot footing it to Oxford on the back of a nationwide tour with Madagascar The Musical, he says: “Creation is so collaborative and while it can be very intimidating joining a new company, Creation has been so welcoming and made it such a positive experience.”
“Plus that boy can sing,” Helen laughs.
Add in the three teams of the talented youth chorus, picked from Creation’s numerous children’s summer camps and workshops, and you’ve got a full blown production waiting in the wings.
“We’ve loved having the youth chorus back because they really add to the production. So there is nothing angry or bleak about our version of Hansel & Grettel, it’s just glorious and incredibly funny, ooh and short,” Helen adds. “It’s 45 minutes each half with an interval.”
“So come and have fun with Creation at Christmas because we have made a show that you’ll want to take your family to. It’s more like Wicked with lots of funny characters, comedy and a winter wonderland. It’s a riot!”
“It’s the highlight of our creative year and a really fun panto alternative for anyone with older as well as younger children. So let Creation takes you into the forest for some fun. Immersive yourself in fairy land, come and escape with us,” Helen urges.
Hansel & Grettel, North Wall, December 1 – January 4. BOOK HERE
