Theatre / Reviews
Review: Hansel & Gretel, Arnos Vale Cemetery – ‘A magical meander’
Once you hear a witch in a gingerbread house in the middle of the woods rhyme “cocoa” with “in parentis loco”, you know that you’re in for a sweet theatrical treat.
So take a bow, writer Saikat Ahamed, who regular Christmas theatregoers will remember from his star turns on stage in several Bristol Old Vic productions.
This year, he has teamed up with Insane Root Theatre for a promenade performance of Hansel & Gretel through Arnos Vale Cemetery, with atmospheric surroundings blending beautifully with a story that takes us from adventurous siblings plotting an adventure to them being held prisoner by that hot chocolate-loving witch.
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Christopher Bianchi’s star turn as the Witch – photo: Jack Offord
With several performances taking place simultaneously each evening for a maximum of 30 audience members, there are a number of different cast members playing the titular characters.
On press night, the 7.30pm performance saw Annabel Lisk as Gretel, James Jip as Hansel and a scene-stealing Christopher Bianchi as the Witch, whose house drew gasps from my ten-year-old daughter when it was revealed.
Like a children’s puzzle book, the walk can also take you in different directions – either following Hansel or Gretel through pathways around the cemetery before joining up again with the other half of the audience.
Some advice: wrap up warm, wear good shoes and be prepared to be singing songs from composer Ellie Showering for a good few days afterwards.
Hansel is imprisoned as the Witch tries to fatten him up – photo: Jack Offord
Insane Root’s stated mission is “to provide thrilling theatrical experiences rooted in extraordinary places”, with previous shows taking place in locations including Redcliffe Caves, the abandoned Eastville Park swimming pool and even the recently rediscovered vaults of the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
This time, head to Arnos Vale, follow the lanterns and get lost within this magical theatrical meander through the woods.
Hansel & Gretel is at Arnos Vale Cemetery until January 1 2022. For tickets and more information, visit www.insaneroot.org.uk/hanselandgretel
Main photo: Jack Offord
Read more: Bristol’s best Christmas shows 2021
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