Hampstead Theatre
Dates: 10-31 Dec
Ages: 8+
Price: £18 adults, £12 children, £50 family

Beasts and Beauties
Grisly and gruesome, hilarious and hair-raising, the Brothers Grimm and other European fairytales re-told in a script by Carol Ann Duffy. Directed by Melly Still who created the marvellous Coram Boy. 

OUR VERDICT:

"A dazzling feast of fairy stories from an inventive group of performers. This romp through more than half a dozen classic tales offers everything from hilarious slapstick to some serious beastliness. Among the humorous moments most appreciated by the audience were a ‘man-cow’ complete with rubber glove udders, loveable Toby the farm dog, and a truly naked Emperor in his ‘New Clothes’ – accessorised by a judiciously positioned bouquet of flowers. Parents and carers seemed to enjoy the show just as much as their younger charges, with more than wry smiles for the vignette “This is What Happened the Day the Husband Minded the House”. Lavish use of messy props (water, fake blood, a lot of spilt cream, and even porridge) all added to the fun and games. The wonderfully creative staging in this lovely theatre is complemented by the excellent one-man orchestra providing an array of sound effects, and who deservedly takes centre stage in one of the tales. 

Billed as suitable for kids aged 8+, all the stories claim their happy endings but the less robust younger members of this age range may need their hands holding during the second half of Bluebeard (the first story) and before Beauty transforms the fabulously gruesome Beast. No such issues with the rest of the show. 

“My favourite stories were the naked emperor and when the husband and wife swapped jobs for the day. A fabulous show!" Hannah aged 9

Teresa Poole

 

 

Venue Details:

Hampstead Theatre
Eton Avenue, Swiss Cottage, NW3 3EU
Tel: 020 7722 9301
Website: www.hampsteadtheatre.com

General Information:
(Tube: Swiss Cottage)

Map: