We round up the reviews for the Globe’s production, which continues to run until the 5th January.
The Guardian: *** “Though Nick Bagnall’s tone-switching production eases us into the story gently, it then rushes us through, with not enough time for the darker undercurrents, particularly the background of war and displacement, to settle. This leaves the whole feverish affair feeling a little unmoored. But at just an hour and with an early show time, this is a bright, silly production, with buckets of sweet treats for kids to enjoy.”
All That Dazzles: ** “Whilst younger audiences can grapple with difficult themes, Armitage’s adaptation struggles to satisfactorily meld the horror of warfare and the fairytale classic together. Coupled with the inclusion of more problematic elements of the story, Hansel and Gretel left me with a sour, rather than a sweet taste.”
The Arts Desk: *** “Songs and sweeties, but insufficient sourness and sadism for fans of fairytales.”
Everything Theatre: ** “Spoiler alert. Dad doesn’t die. He returns from an unnamed warzone seemingly unharmed in the nick of time for the final song. It’s a shameless plot twist appropriate for a show that doesn’t, it seems, want your kids to have too much fun this Christmas.”
Time Out: **** “Written in droll rhyming verse (what else?), the Poet Laureate’s version of Hansel and Gretel is bookended by narration from a seen-it-all confectionary vendor (Jenni Maitland), whose grungy modern dress sets the tone for a show that’s definitely not set in medieval Germany.”
West End Best Friend: *** “In this modern retelling, Simon Armitage has added the timely context of conflict; Hansel and Gretel are refugees escaping from war. However, one wonders if in a children’s show, marketed for everyone aged 5+, this statement will be missed. Fairytales are known for their sinister undertones and role in educating and warning children, but elements of this production feel slightly too dark for younger children.”
The Reviews Hub: ** 1/2 “Adults of a certain age will enjoy Armitage’s many nods to long-departed brands of childhood sweets.”
Time Well Spent: “The references to conflict and grief are delicately presented to go over the heads of little ones like my daughter, while striking an emotional chord with the adults.”
London Theatre Reviews: *** “Director Nick Bagnall’s Hansel and Gretel was a brilliant, funny production that was well-crafted to bring to life the famous tale. With its bright and bold set – the sweets, the birds, the swan boat, animal costumes – and its fun, elaborate acting, families will be sure to enjoy.”
Broadway World: **** “Yes, it’s a bit cheesy and adults playing children is always slightly jarring, but it’s also a prime example of how we can navigate world politics with your kids. Little Hansel and Gretel go through what thousands of families do in real life, so this is the chance to open up the conversation with our small humans.”
To book tickets visit: https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/whats-on/hansel-and-gretel-2024/