(2 / 5)

It has been with great delight that I’ve seen most of the recent canon of Lazarus Theatre in London. I’ve revelled in their bold take on the classics, a particular solid Doctor Faustus last year proving this.

Sadly, with the new year came a Hamlet which didn’t work on a lot of levels. Starting off with what looked like an AA meeting, declared as a safe space for the characters to speak their minds. It would have been a quirky idea to have had the Bard stripped back to just this scope, though the chairs are pushed away and a lot of tricks ensue. Michael Hawkey as the lead finds his first professional turn here and though it might not be the most remarkable take, there is youth, charm and some menace. There appears on surface level to be no Gertrude nor Claudius present which might be one of the major reasons why this cock-sure showing may not work as well as it should.

The play maintains a flow as it went on. My major concern was the watery take on the verse and therefore the story. For it appears you may cut Hamlet down to a mere 90 minutes, but you’ve got to own this time and not always worry about fireworks. Director Ricky Dukes should be commended for his Russian Roulette risk taking here, though I did find myself bothered by multiple scenes. Hamlet still gets his Jeffrey Dahmer with Yorick, who’s head is plucked out of a fridge. Video work would show Ophelia’s real-time unending and a Mortal Combat style duel at the final were highlights. Hamlet’s death remained one of the show most disappointing aspects with alas, no ‘flights of angels singing thee to thy rest’.

The hustle of the cast would see some fine performances. Lexine Lee as Ophelia twas more retrospection then mania with with the role. Alex Zur is given little time to shine as Horatio, the rest of the players covering multiple roles and menacing proclamations as the father ghost.

Put simply I would have preferred to watch Mystery Science Theatre do their ribbing on an awful dubbed take on Hamlet on German TV back in the 60s. I’m still faithful for the rebirth of Lazarus once more.

Hamlet continues at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant till 4 Feb 2023.

(4 / 5)

A Perfect Introduction to Theatre

Elgan Rhys’ adaptation of Goldilocks at the Sherman Theatre is a magical production that offers a wonderful introduction to theatre for young children. The piece, directed by Nia Morris, is a modern re-telling of the classic fairy tale. Although audiences will recognise the names of the characters and references to porridge, chairs and beds – the story moves in a different direction.

Goldilocks, played by Elin Gruffydd, is a friendlier and more endearing version of the character that we are used to. She is an upstanding citizen of ‘Golden Town’ where her grandmother is the mayor. Goldilocks abides by the town’s endless list of rules, many of which are centred around an obsession with all things yellow, and she has achieved one of the highest accolades by growing the finest golden locks in town.

Things take a turn for the worst when Goldilocks discovers blue locks amongst her golden mane. Embarrassed and ashamed, she flees to the “periphery”, the outskirts of town where those that are different are banished and, according to legend, eaten by gruesome bears.

The fun, colourful bears that Goldilocks meets could not be different from what she was expecting – they even eat porridge with oat milk and sit on rainbow-coloured chairs! The bears challenge Goldilocks’ perceptions, helping her to embrace her new hair and teaching her to understand the importance of being herself. Inspired by this experience, she returns to Golden Town to champion the joy of being different.

The story has a strong, positive message that is told in a fun and engaging way, using catchy songs and puppetry to keep young audiences enthralled throughout. Actors Carrie Munn and Rhys Ap Trefor who each played multiple roles interacted beautifully with the audience; at one point some children edged so far forward into the performance space they were practically sat on their laps but they incorporated this into the action and were able to expertly coax them back into the seating area.

The show is performed in the Sherman’s Studio Theatre where audiences have the option of sitting on benches or on the floor on large pink mats. The space is very friendly and welcoming which helps to relieve any fears that parents might have about keeping children quiet and sitting still for a long stretch. There seems to be a general acceptance that the audience probably will make some noise, eat sweets and wriggle about a bit. That being said, the level of concentration and excellent behaviour in the room is a testament to the quality of the performance – the audience were totally enraptured.

With a 50-minute running time and no interval, this delightful reimagination of a well-known tale is the perfect festive treat for a young family. We had a really enjoyable afternoon and would certainly recommend this performance as a lovely outing for families with young children.

Elen Benfelen / Goldilocks is at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff until 31^st December 2022.You can find out more and book tickets here

Throughout the year the inclusive community focused Sherman Theatre in Cardiff, put on a variety of performances and free activities. 

The outside and interior of the Sherman has been revamped in the last couple of years and is elegantly decorated, modern seating and lighting. 

Most recently the Sherman Theatre have also reached out into the heart of the local Cardiff communities, bringing the arts to the people.

I went to one of the Tales and Tea sessions at the Beacon Centre in St Mellons, to see A Better Land, by Catherine Dyson. The intimacy and no frills props, added to the enjoyment. Having a chat with the actors afterwards was a great way to share feedback and discuss the storyline.

This week, we had a midweek family treat to see Tales of The Brothers Grimm at the Sherman Theatre.

It surpassed my expectations, and personally, it was one of the best shows that the Sherman have put on in the lead up to Christmas, over the past decade.

I was blown away by the performers talents. Each and every one of them, played their character so well. Whoever cast the positions, did an excellent job. Notice I said talents. That’s because they all had multiple roles weaved in, acting, singing and playing an instrument.

What is Tales of the Brothers Grimm about?

Tales of the Brothers Grimm written by Hannah McPake, reimagines the stories of well known fairy tale characters.

On a journey to find her own story, Stevie, comes across Cinderella, Sleeping beauty and Rapunzel. Disaster happens, the stories aren’t as they are suppose to be. Together with the narrator and Prince Charming they journey to find the Brothers Grimm, who they hope can fix it back to how it was, and even give Stevie her own part in her own story. They believe the big bad wolf and Snow Queen is set out to destroy it all. But with a twist!

The show was very well written and scripted, with humour and fun, and a sincere message.

I liked how they began the show by entering at different positions in the auditorium. I could see the range of emotions the story and songs brought to the audience, including my own children. The warm soft songs, some with sadness and some with positivity, my children clasped my hand and pulled in for a hug, and the upbeat songs with audience interaction making them laugh and clap.

My eldest son asked if there is a soundtrack to purchase as he enjoyed the music so much.

The programme was family orientated with colouring and puzzles for children.

The smoke effects added to the atmosphere, maybe a bit too much at times that you couldn’t see the characters on the stage.

There were a couple of songs I couldn’t hear the words in the song clearly. This is just me being super picky by the way!

Overall, an exceptional performance! A huge well done to the whole cast, backstage, production, ushers, the staff and volunteers that make the theatre come to life.

I highly recommend a visit to see this show, which is on now until it finishes at the end of December.

Don’t miss out!

I want to come back a second time!

Find out more here and to book: