Little Red Riding Hood (Liverpool)

Little Red Riding Hood is a classic children's tale, retold here by writer Karen Blick. Taking the traditional and given it a modern feel, Blick has created a fresh approach to the much loved tale of the girl in red, Grandma and the big bad wolf.

There is attitude to Red Riding Hood, (Gemma Brodrick) who everyone calls Red, as she strives to be the perfect student. Embarrassed by her mum Delilah, (Catherine Rice) a has been club singer who is stuck in the 1980's and her hippy Grandma Doris, (Leroy Liburd) Red soon discovers where her loyalties lie when an encounter with a bad wolf, Wilf (Barrie Ryan English) brings the family together.

This show does not lack energy and Gemma Brodrick does not disappoint in vocals or movement. Leroy Liburd's take on Grandma although not a classic pantomime dame, brings a certain charm to the often over the top character, perhaps offering a played down version and in keeping with tradition, he does have a few garish and colourful costumes.

In contrast, Catherine Rice plays Delilah with gusto, which seems to balance well alongside Liburd's Grandma.

Perhaps the most engaging character is Wilf the Wolf, who the kids really respond too. English has a real skill in movement, which helps bring character to the role, and again although not delivered as a traditional baddie as there was humour and warmth, his character is perhaps the most developed.

Basic set and lighting, but with plenty of songs and audience participation, Little Red Riding Hood delivers a traditional story of morals and happy endings. What it lacks in plot it makes up for in charm and warmth, and is a good a show as any to take your family to this Christmas.

– Janie Phillips