Not so Grimm Tales
Grimm Tales, presented by Shining Lights Theatre Company on 23rd and 24th April 2006 at New Greenham Arts.Once upon a time, there was a little theatre company that prided itself on its first class productions… That company, Shining Lights, now has another excellent show to add to its accolade. Lead by Director Pete Watt and Company Manager Melanie Watt, these talented young people have done well.
The music of Seth Lakeman added a rustic and folk-tale quality as the lights dimmed and we were presented with a father reading to his young son. As the stories from his book came to life, the audience became ensnared into the world of Grimm. Starting with the lesser-known The Mouse, The Bird and the Sausage, we were then led through the tales of Snow White, The Hare and The Hedgehog, Rumplestiltskin and Hansel and Gretel. Based on the stories collected by brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm during the 18th Century, the talented ensemble evoked a true feeling of quality story-telling.
The cast took on many different roles throughout the evening. Jessica Welch showed great versatility as an actor, as she took on the role of the loathsome and evil Queen – juxtaposed against that of the timid Miller's Daughter. Another great performance came from Lloyd Collicott, who's Hare was wonderfully created. He also showed excellent puppetry skills as a Dwarf and the Duck in Hansel and Gretel.
All the cast portrayed the tales in the dark comic spirit they had been intended, giving the audience plenty of laughs throughout the evening. Grant Lawrence in particular gave the Hedgehog and Hansel his own comedic twist.
Special mention should also go to Callum Watt who, at the tender age of 10, showed great potential working alongside his older peers. Shining Lights never fail to deliver and are certainly in a league of their own.
M.C. Godfrey