Review: Hansel and Gretel at Tobacco Factory Theatres
Hansel and Gretel at Tobacco Factory Theatres, is a must-see Christmas treat
Christmas has officially started in Bristol, launched with another proper cracker of a show at Tobacco Factory Theatres.
The south Bristol theatre has once again teamed up with New International Encounters. It’s a winning relationship leading to ingenious storytelling that keeps audiences of all ages enthralled.
This year’s production is Hansel and Gretel. It’s a warm, funny show that feels inclusive and representative of Bristol’s diverse audiences.
When you think about Hansel and Gretel – along with so many of the original Brothers Grimm stories – aspects of it are really quite dark.
Clever storytelling acknowledges potential difficulties of a classic and much-loved story from so long ago. It’s done in a way that is witty, whilst also feeling authentic and family friendly.
The set feels crisp and wintry. The sound of birdsong plunges the audience into an isolated forest location from the moment they enter the auditorium.
A strong cast of actor musicians perform the show. The songs are exceptionally good, drawing the audience into the action.
A walk into the forest led by a wild-eyed and hangry Papa, played by Joey Hickman, who is followed by Martin Bonger as guilt-wracked dad is a musical highlight.
The former intermittently hitting a cow bell and inviting audience members to join in was brilliant. As was Samantha Sutherland’s act two jazz number.
Puppetry, as well as music, was well utilised throughout the show, especially when introducing us to the gingerbread house and pushing the witch into the oven.
Samantha Sutherland as the initially lovely Lady, was reminiscent of your friendly local National Trust room steward. The narrative is cleverly flipped. Audience members take responsibility for her to become a witch through a vote, avoiding difficulties around ageist and gender stereotyping.
Abayomi Oniyide and Stefanie Mueller absolutely nail the roles of the eponymous heroes. It’s a beautiful sibling relationship, with Mueller perfectly capturing the mannerisms of every four-year-old girl who has ever existed.
Hansel and Gretel builds up to a magical ending, literally, with a family reunited, mince pies, a sprinkle of snow and a lot of Christmas spirit.
This is definitely a must-see show to pop on your Christmas theatre list.
Hansel and Gretel is at Tobacco Factory Theatres until 19 January 2025
Accessible performances:
BSL Interpreted Performances
Thursday 12 December 2024 at 7pm
Friday 13 December 2024 at 1pm
Audio Described
Friday 03 January 2025 at 7pm
Saturday 04 January 2025 at 2pm
Touch Tour: 5:45pm on Friday 03 January and at 12:45pm on Saturday 04 January 2025
Relaxed Performance
Sunday 05 January 2025 at 7pm
For more information or to book, visit: https://tobaccofactorytheatres.com/
Cast and Creatives
Nicholas – Martin Bonger
Nigel – Joey Hickman
Gretel – Stefanie Mueller
Hansel – Abayomi Oniyide
Lady – Samantha Sutherland
Director – Alex Byrne
Assistant Director – Megan-Vaughan-Thomas
Production Designer – Stefanie Mueller
Lighting Designer – Trui Malten
Composer – Elliot Davis
Musical Director – Joey Hickman
Sound Designer – Gregg Hall
Movement Director – Kasia Zaremba- Byrne
Story Consultant – Rina Vergano
Musical Collaboration – The Cast
Producer – Ruth Carter-Moore
Stage and Production Manager – Niamh Percy
Understudy Cover – Jesse Meadows and Jack Orozco-Morrison
Scenic Artists – Leah Fletcher and Jonathan Holbrook
Production Technicians – Ash Day, Nancy Strahan, Imogen Senter, Chris Swain, Tom Pitchers
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