Rapunzel at West Yorkshire Playhouse

February 25, 2008

Rapunzel may be a familiar enough fairy tale but given the Kneehigh treatment it takes on a magical life all of its own. Mother Gothel (camped up by Charlie Barnecut) finds a displaced baby left to survive alone. She brings her up amongst sprouting flowers and hanging herbs and intends to pass on all her knowledge as a herbalist.

But when Rapunzel (bravely played by Edith Tankus) becomes mature she is locked away in a tower. Here her hair grows long enough to hang down for a visiting prince (Patrizio, Pieter Lawman)  to climb up to her and begin his wooing. This infuriates her surrogate mother who blinds the prince and banishes Rapunzel to the wilderness.

The Duke of Tuscany (James Traherne) offers his kingdom to whoever can find his son Patrizio, alive or dead, which encourages Paulo (doubled by Barnecut), to bribe Umberto to kill the lost prince. Clearly, the tale ends with a happy ending, but not without much sorcery, villainy and plain good fun on the way.

The improvisational style of Kneehigh is both charming and extremely endearing, while the many asides and sideways winks and nods to the audience give the piece almost a panto feel. But without crass corniness this is a vibrant piece, as high on feel good factor as it is on terror and evil.

The overall feel is one of effortless performance with some fantastically atmospheric folksy musical accompaniment (Alex Vann) and a set (by Michael Vale) that is both functional and yet has the feel that it could fall apart at any moment. Suitable for all the family and even the often restless sixth formers lapped up every moment.

www.kneehigh.co.uk

www.wyplayhouse.co.uk

20 to 23 February, West Yorkshire Playhouse

- Rich Jevons

Written by admin · Filed Under Reviews 

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