Rapunzel (Huddersfield)

tutti frutti’s production of Mike Kenny‘s adaptation of the story of Rapunzel was first staged in the Studio at York’s Theatre Royal in Autumn 2012. Now, as the children’s Christmas play in Huddersfield, it remains essentially the same, but considerably enlarged to fit the much bigger space of the Lawrence Batley Theatre, attractively re-configured as an in the round acting area.

Mike Kenny’s take on the story, aimed at an age group of three upwards, leaves out the horrors of the Brothers Grimm. Rapunzel is kept in a tower, but under the care of her grandmother (Nan), who brings her up and who is probably not a witch.

Her mother – far from the natural mother from whom the child was stolen in the Grimm fairytale – left to find her destiny beyond the horizon. The young man who takes Rapunzel from her tower is not a passing prince, but a nice local youth, Rafi, whom she has already seen from afar.

In this form, Rapunzel becomes a story of earning freedom and growing up: the higher Rapunzel goes in the tower that cuts her off from the world, the further she can see and the more questions she has for Nan.

The larger space, well used in Catherine Chapman‘s designs, places more emphasis on movement (director TC Howard) and the 2013 production adds a new character, a musician (Louise Goodwin) who joins Rapunzel, Nan and Rafi in running, jumping and dancing as well as proving skilled on several instruments, notably violin.

Chris Mellor‘s music is at the heart of the story, with the sun and moon song and the song of Rapunzel year by year emphasising the passage of time which is central to the story.

The only cast hold-over in Wendy Harris‘ production is Gayle Newbolt‘s doll-faced Rapunzel, forever in a state of wonder, a strange mix of the dream-like and the practical.

Alicia McKenzie‘s vigorous and eccentric Nan and Isaac Stanmore‘s equally vigorous and thoroughly nice Rafi complete a trio of audience-friendly performances, though the little ones are expected to concentrate and use their imaginations rather than participate.

Rapunzel continues at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield until 29 December.