Hansel and Gretel in Williamson Park, Lancaster Review
Hansel and Gretel
& More Tales From The Forest
The Duke’s, Williamson Park, Lancaster
8 July to 16 August 2014
Reviewed by Catherine Joyce
For the last 27 years The Dukes have produced an open air theatre production in the beautiful setting of Williamson Park in Lancashire, this year the Hansel and Gretel story has been skilfully adapted by Zosia Wand. Prior to the performance we wondered how the simple tale of Hansel and Gretel would transfer into a two and a half hour show however Zosia has skilfully borrowed fairy tale characters from other tales and woven them into the story in a similar fashion to the Shrek films.
Hansel and Gretel are lost in the forest after being abandoned by their father and stepmother and we follow them (literally) as they try and find their way home, discovering beautiful parts of the park that add to the unique feel of the evening. The play unfolds over 5 scenes with a 25 minute interval between the third and fourth.
As the story unfolds more familiar characters are introduced, including Heinz, the wolf from Red Riding Hood and Rumpelstiltskin as well as a few others who all offer support and friendship to Hansel and Gretel to help them find their way home.
The third scene, set at a funfair doesn’t initially seem to fit with the story however everything soon becomes clear. This scene was excellent and brought almost a pantomime feel to things as members of the audience were invited to join in the fun.
Following the interval, we see the evil side of the witch as the children are taken to the witch’s lair in preparation for the cooking….
By sticking together Hansel and Gretel finally manage to escape and defeat the witch, eventually finding their father who has been searching for his children all along.
My favourite characters were Gretel, played by Jessica Baglow and the witch played by Polly Lister. Both actresses played superb parts and Polly’s portrayal of the witch was outstanding.
The one character I didn’t really understand was the feminist frog. Whilst undoubtedly adding to the humour of the play, she didn’t seem to add anything to the story.
The beautiful Williamson Park with breath-taking views over Lancaster and Morecambe Bay is an ideal location for the performance. After leaving home in brilliant sunshine it was disappointing that there was a huge black cloud and spots of rain in Lancaster but luckily the rain held off and the sun was soon out again. At the end of the night the fading light as we walked to the final scene really added to the magical feel of the performance as fairy lights, suspended in the trees helped show the way.
The park is well signposted from the A6 and there was plenty of free parking. Before the performance begins many families take the opportunity for a picnic tea in the beautiful surroundings. Seating varies at each location, sometimes there are benches or logs to sit on and in other locations the audience can sit on the grass. I would recommend taking something to sit on, a chair can be cumbersome and block people’s view but a mat or blanket is ideal. As the play continues whatever the weather it is worth checking the forecast before you leave.
We thoroughly enjoyed our evening out and will certainly be back next year.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost from £11 to £23 (includes £1 per ticket online booking fee).
Hansel and Gretel is running until 16 August 2014 in Williamson Park, Lancaster. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 01524 598500.
The Dukes, Moor Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1QE | 01524 598500
