Dan Birch The element of storytelling is a moment enriched in gaze and wonderment.
The story of Rapunzel at the Theatre Royal was one such moment. The majority of the audience, boxed in a square style surely wanted this experience. The child-like nature of the play burst through the seams with a carefree spin on modern life. This could be argued as a distinct bonus but would it be the exact type?
Produced by tutti frutti, this particular version written by Mike Kenny is on the classic Germany fairy-tale is about a girl who is taken away from what she knows and protected from all the things that she loves. Placed high-up in a tower above the world and faced with the challenge of growing-up she is found alone, dreaming.
The darkness looms and the moon travels around the stage giving a wave of nostalgia from old BBC Children’s television series, Mr Boon. The inventive style of the sound effects is a delight to watch as is the way the actors use the props on stage. Rapunzel (played by Gayle Newbolt) is a real presence on stage and draws the audience to the complexions the character faces. The other characters played by Selina Zaza and Max Gallagher are also a delight to watch and produce clear positivity.
Moments such as Rapunzel shouting down at the boy echoed by atmospheric sound effects give a lovingity of simplicity and innocence that gives a snapshot of moments in our time. Indeed Rapunzel is faced with the challenge of growing-up in the play and your interest increases with the stages of each age that parents can relate to with their own children.
Sound effects are carefully composed and produced in tandem with the sync of the play at the correct times. The background music itself is somewhat sandwiched between the Eurythmics ‘Right By Your Side’ and noises from the old videogame, Rayman.
For those wanting to enjoy the quiet, relaxing experience of storytelling, then this golden version of Rapunzel certainly does the trick.
Rapunzel is running at the Theatre Royal till Saturday 13 October. It is touring in the UK till February 2013.
