Grimm Tales is a new production for Carol Anne Duffy’s adaptation of tales from the mighty Grimm Brothers at the Ste-phen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough.
Director Kate Valentine and her cast of seven have put together an absorbing theatrical experience. The acting is powerful and follows a vivid and expressive style. When actors playing Hansel and Gretel pretend to eat pieces of the witch’s house they fling imaginery morsels into the audience. Children follow the line of flight, grab the “food” and start to tuck in.
The cast works with considerable flair. Each member moves from one character to another with a complete change of manner and voice. The stories flow easily with actors switching from dialogue to narrative commentary with ease. Their movement is fluid but precise, so that a production with minimal scenery is made to look visually stunning.
The dramatised stories are “The Golden Goose”, “Hansel and Gretel” and “Ashpetal” the Grimm version of “Cinderalla”. Gothic elements are emphasised, all of them going to the very edge of horror and having a measure of black humour.
This production stirs the imagination and is powerful enough to appeal to youngsters approaching their sophisticated years.
Grimm Tales is on at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in the Round, Scarborough until December 30. Box Office: 01723 370541
