Hansel + Gretel

Welcome to today’s performance of Hansel + Gretel. Below you can find the cast and crew information, as well as some background about the show, so photos and some further information about the Drama Department

 Show Warning: This show contains non-toxic theatrical smoke and short sequences of flashing lights

Introduction From The Director

I love stories. Fables, parables and words of wisdom, often passed from generation to generation, embellished and enriched - often exaggerated and expanded. They are the oldest form of social media and of mass communication, and the purest form of entertainment. The Grimm Brothers, who wrote the original tale, have a reputation for darkness and the macabre which we often forget as their tales are sanitised and prepared for children. But this story at its heart has a difficult struggle: parents cannot provide for both their children and themselves, and decide to choose a path of self preservation. A moral quandary that faces many people to this day.

This version of the story changes two details. First, it swaps a step-mother for a real mother - making the central decision even more difficult by removing the cliché of the evil step-mother from the equation. Second, it elevates Gretel to the role of competent, capable and calm. In the original, Hansel is proactive and Gretel constantly in tears. This was a key for us - Gretel is the catalyst for action; an independent-minded, creative, female role model. We’re blessed with many of those at RGS, and wanted to reflect that in this production.

Some of the dark elements of the Grimm Tale remain - and this is not an entirely sanitised version of the story. But at its heart is a sense of fun, creativity and above all, a love of the art of telling a story.

We hope you enjoy entering the world of Hansel + Gretel.

Mr Edwards Director of Theatre

Cast + Crew

Gretel Isobel Andree Wiltens

Hansel Will Steinhardt

Mother Claudia Shaw

Father Oliver Sproston

The Witch Fergus Wotton

Birdy Alex Hutchings

Diane Isabella Quayle

Maureen Tom Alexander

Rabbits

Pepper Jessop, Ben Fraser, Seth Dayo Somefun, Jenny Chen, Isabelle Shelley, Grace Smith

The Supernature Squad

Jenny Chen, Seth Dayo-Somefun, Sylvie Eustace, Ben Fraser, Paul Gayral, Erin Hanley, Pepper Jessop, Orla McNally, Shalini Kumar, Ruby Rollason, Evie Rotheram, Isabelle Shelley, Gabby Shukla, Ada Silva Akkaya, Abi Smith, Grace Smith, Ella Westley, Sabby Webb, Alice Williams

The Grotto Squad

Isi Floyd, Hannah Griffiths, Seren Kelly, Jack Leigh, Sofia McLean, Evie Mehmood, Coco Meurisse, Riya Musthyala, Imogen Rudman

The Travelling Musicians

Hugh Edwards, Rowan Fleming, Richard Hare, Toby Ma, Nathan Tsang, Edward Waller

Creative Team

Director Hugh Edwards

Assistant Director Lola Smith

Production Manager and Lighting Design Ryan Nicholls

Set and Costume Design Isobel Pirillo

Choreography and Rehearsal Support Caitlyn Fraser

Musical Director Toby Ma

Musical Supervision Richard Hare

Production Electrician Peter Stoughton

DSM Ella Bates and Sophie Sharma

Microphones and Sound Elizabeth Sears

Rehearsal DSM and LX Operator Savannah Nsfor

Rehearsal DSM and Prop Supervisor Niamh Maddick

Original music composed by Hugh Edwards

Thanks

Ryan Nicholls for running absolutely everything and saying yes to swinging bags of flour

Peter Stoughton for electrical wizardry and always solving every problem

The whole art and DT departments for all their help

All of the Izzys and all of the Smiths

All of Isobel’s helpers: Giulia, Jack, Amber and Kit - for building, making and fixing

Mireille Stocker and Michelle Pope for making everything safe

Rosie Bottomley for always letting us know when the exams in the room next door had finished during show week, so we could safely make noise without ruining a Chemistry paper.

Sarah Branston and Marianne Hare for polishing and supporting

Steve Fairclough and Caretaking Team for all their help with rehearsal lock-up and solving problems always

Parents – for listening to lines and providing transport 

Staff who volunteer to work backstage and support the department

The Catering Team for organising gingerbread and provisions

ENJOY THE SHOW

Want to be involved in the next production? Click below for all the information about Treasure Island