Reviewed by Norman Totton
“Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair, so that I may climb the golden stair”. I’m sure that most of us have heard that expression many times in our lives. It’s from the story of Rapunzel, first published by The Brothers Grimm in 1812 and adapted by them from a fairy tale originally published in 1698, which itself has roots back to a 10th Century tale from Persia. There have been many different versions and endings since then but the production at the Lawrence Batley Theatre (LBT) in Huddersfield was based on the simple premise of boy meets girl, girl meets boy and after a few false starts, they all live happily ever after.
With a window frame, a chair, a few small props and a very talented musician (Louise Goodwin), the cast of Rapunzel, (Rapunzel = Gayle Newbolt; Nan = Alicia McKenzie; Rafi = Isaac Stanmore), were able to keep me, my 4 year-old daughter and the rest of the audience enraptured throughout the entire performance. I have never seen an audience of children so silent and captured by any display until now. Their eyes trained on the stage, mouths open in wonderment, they took in every line and action and dance movement. The enthusiasm, exuberance, athleticism and sheer joy of the actors was wonderful to witness and so very infectious.
The LBT is a small intimate theatre and the stage was set in the centre to give a feeling of audience involvement which worked wonderfully well. There were times when the violinist was leading the cast in a dance around the perimeter of the stage which put me in mind of the Pied Piper of Hamlin and I had hoped the children would have been invited to join the procession but alas it was not to be (perhaps it would be nice to include it?).
In conclusion I would thoroughly recommend this production of Rapunzel for families with children up to the age of 8-9. All of the children (and their adults) were entranced with the production. My 4 year old hasn’t stopped talking about it since we got home – surely the hallmark of a fantastic evening out.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets: £10 child / £13 adult / £45 family (admits 5)
For more information or to book tickets visit www.thelbt.org or call the box office on 01484 430528.
Lawrence Batley Theatre, Queen’s Square, Queen Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2SP
