Little Red Riding Hood at Sherman Theatre Cardiff Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Kathy Sanderson

The Sherman Theatre’s Little Red Riding Hood in their Studio Christmas show is an absolute treat for young children, particularly those aged 3 to 6. This performance offers a refreshingly modern take on the classic fairy tale, perfect for sparking the festive spirit. The show offers something truly special—an immersive experience that makes the theatre feel like it’s tailored specifically for little ones.

One of the cleverest aspects of this production is the seating arrangement. Rather than the usual stiff chairs of a traditional theatre, the floor was laid out with comfortable mats for the children to sit on. This simple yet thoughtful touch made a huge difference. We all know how tricky it can be to keep young children still for an entire performance, but having the freedom to move around and enjoy the performance from different angles without interrupting the flow of the show was brilliant. It gave a relaxed vibe to the entire experience, allowing the children to engage more freely.

The show was performed by just two actors, and despite a slight hiccup with the lead actress playing Red Riding Hood being unable to perform, the director, Alice Eldund, stepped into the role. Remarkably, considering she had only learned the part last minute, she delivered a fantastic performance. She had a script on hand, but it was clear she was thoroughly committed to making the performance seamless, and it didn’t detract from the overall enjoyment. In fact, her energy and ability to keep the show flowing was commendable. Usually, the role of Red Riding Hood is performed by Grace O’Brien, who brings her own vibrant energy to the character, but Alice stepped in effortlessly to fill her shoes in this unique situation.

The performances from the actors were engaging and tailored well for young audiences. The wolf, played by Mari Fflur, stood out particularly for her comedic timing and physicality. Her expressions were exaggerated enough to make the children giggle, and her interactions with the audience were spot on. The way she reacted to the children’s heckling was impressive—she never missed a beat, managing to keep the performance light-hearted and fun without losing the narrative thread.

The show also had a very clever way of introducing the Christmas message. While many Christmas-themed performances can sometimes feel too forced or preachy, Little Red Riding Hood gently wove in a heartfelt reminder of the true spirit of Christmas. It was heart warming without being corny, which is a balance that’s not easy to achieve. The story’s underlying message of kindness and family felt genuinely uplifting for both children and adults.

The interactive elements were one of the show’s highlights. From sound effects to audience participation, the children were actively involved in the storytelling, making them feel like they were part of the magic. The laughter and joy that came from the children reacting to the actors and their antics really brought the show to life.

But the real magic came at the end of the performance when the children and the entire audience joined in to sing a lively interactive song, creating an energetic, festive atmosphere that perfectly concluded the performance. It was a fun, engaging way to wrap up the show, leaving the children—and their families—in high spirits and ready for the holiday season.

Overall, this performance is a wonderful way for families to kick off their Christmas celebrations. It’s perfect for young children but also offers enough enjoyment for older siblings and parents to appreciate too. The energy, fun, and creativity on display made for a truly memorable experience.

Rating: 5/5 A perfect young family show.

Tickets cost from £9.50 (plus a £1.50 transaction fee). Little Red Riding Hood is at the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, from 25th November 2024 to 4th January 2025. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.shermantheatre.co.uk or call the box office on 029 2064 6900. Address: Senghennydd Road, Cathays, Cardiff CF24 4YE.