I saw Hansel & Gretel at Bristol's Tobacco Factory - it turned a chilly night into a cosy dream 🎭
With its cosy, intimate theatre, the Tobacco Factory is already the perfect setting for a Christmas show.
This year’s production, Hansel & Gretel, leaves audiences feeling warm and uplifted with its magical reimagining of the beloved tale.
The in-house production, in partnership with New International Encounter, features a cast of just five who elevate the experience with not only their acting but also live music.
Abayomi Oniyide and Stefanie Mueller deliver superb performances in the lead roles of Hansel and Gretel, skillfully incorporating talented puppetry to bring the characters to life.
While the show explores serious themes of poverty and famine, the songs and comedic talents of the cast ensure that it remains a hilarious watch.
With the limited set design, you may wonder how the gingerbread house will be represented, but you won’t be disappointed.
Samantha Sutherland, who portrays the witch, adds a wonderfully humorous touch of sinister charm to her role.
The final two cast members, Martin Bonger and Joey Hickman, brilliantly double as Hansel and Gretel’s fathers, with the pairings spot on.
As always, the show features plenty of audience participation and clever fourth wall breaks, which are part of what make the Christmas shows at the Tobacco Factory so delightful.
The performance is suitable for all ages, with many children in the audience laughing out loud at various moments, alongside adults.
Hansel & Gretel leaves you stepping out into the chilly streets of Bedminster with a sense of warmth and joy - just what we need.
Hansel & Gretel is on at the Tobacco Factory until January 19. For tickets and more information, visit: www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/hansel-and-gretel/