Rapunzel – The Lowry, Salford

Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre

Reviewer: Ruth Lovett

The Public Reviews Rating:

This classic fairy tale is brought to life with the wonderful puppetry skills of Steve Smart. Narrated by the frog, we are invited in to Dame Gothel’s garden to learn how Rapunzel came to be locked in the tower waiting to be rescued. With her trade mark long blonde hair we soon learn that all is not what it seems in the idyllic garden.

The set works beautifully, shifting and changing to help tell the story and helps the audience see the changing imagery with ease and is not overly complicated. The puppets are beautifully crafted and quite traditional in appearance and are not overly complicated or detailed and are expertly moved around by the puppeteer without appearing cumbersome. The specially recorded music for the show is a beautiful backdrop and enhances the audience experience.

The story is an old favourite but at times the action moves a little too slowly. I appreciate that Smart is doing the vast majority of the work but it affects to ebb and flow of the piece at times and leads to a few moments of extended pauses where the children get a little restless. There are a few moments of mild audience interaction but not too many that it descends in to pantomime hysteria but just enough to keep the children interested.

Beautifully told if not totally engaging this show is a very pleasant experience that is a good way to spend an hour on a chilly autumn afternoon. My 4 year old nephew left satisfied and exclaimed ‘that wasn’t bad’ which is praise indeed to one obsessed with dinosaurs. Thrilling and action packed this is not but Rapunzel is a pleasing alternative to the high gloss and high octane entertainment often pushed on to children nowadays and a genteel telling of a traditional tale.