Theatre / Reviews
Review: The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Cube Microplex – ‘Boundary-busting retelling of a beloved fairytale’
We may all be familiar with the Hans Christian Andersen classic, The Emperor’s New Clothes but probably not the way Owl on the Roof Theatre collective retold it through the medium of pantomime.
This boundary-busting, bold and blazing production had the audience enthralled for two hours on a cold December evening with its comedic invention, while also conveying a more nuanced message beneath the fun and frivolity.
The story revolves around the avaricious landlord, The Emperor (Isabelle Knight) and his hapless tenants, the three pigs and red riding hood (Sapphire Heston). And then there is the feisty Grandmama (Fifi Delaney) and her paramour The Wolf (Eunice da Silva) who brings added warmth to the plot.
is needed now More than ever
The Emperor’s New Clothes, Owl on the Roof Theatre – photo: Eve Biard
The Emperor who built a vast empire on the back of the rigged rental system over the years is oblivious to the plight of the struggling tenants. Surrounded by sycophants, he dismisses any criticism (loud boos from the audience) as a mere distraction and fake news.
He is hellbent on expanding the empire, even at the expense of the struggling tenants who are trying to earn a crust. Is there any way he can be stopped?
It seems like the rule book needs to be torn up in order to resort to a wholly more audacious response: blackmail!
The three little pigs (Eve Biard, Jack Lord and Nicholas Alexander) are played with a boundless energy and neat comedic delivery. They encourage active audience participation where the usual greeting from one of the pigs, Stick “Oink, oink mother*******!” meets with a raucous “Mother******* oink, oink!” response from the audience.
Photo: Eve Biard
The Grandmama – who could tell many a tale on her numerous amorous escapades that would make even the seasoned lover blush – is perfectly executed by the brilliant Fifi Delaney with a disarming ease. And the annoying insistence and the scheming propensity of the Wolf are deftly portrayed by da Silva.
This unique spin on the well-known fairytale could not have come at a better time as people up and down the country are faced with an unprecedented cost-of-living crisis which is further worsened by the stagnant wages against the exponential inflation.
The winter of discontent has driven people to desperate measures to find a roof over their heads. Under the veneer of buffoonery there lies a cutting social commentary and satire which takes aim at those who are benefitting from the desperation of the masses.
Photo: Eve Biard
The underlying message is nothing short of revolutionary: the usual measures will not work but requires a radical overhaul of the system.
The scene changes are seamless and unforced. The cast, decked out in vibrant costumes, pick instruments and burst into song at the drop of a hat, much to the delight of the audience.
The array of musical instruments they play includes ukulele, guitar, oboe and tin whistle. The aplomb with which they command the space really is testament to their skills as performers.
The mercurial cast with their pinpoint comedic timing, deadpan delivery and enviable musical skill manage to drive away the winter blues and – momentarily at least – to lift the audience from the mundane realities of everyday life.
Photo: Owl on the Roof Theatre
Follow Owl on the Roof Theatre at www.owlontherooftheatre.co.uk or follow @owlontheroof.theatre on Insta.
All photos: Eve Biard
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
