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Michael Cox reviews a cute production for young children and a 'thrilling, funny and at times touching' production for families.
Between the sweets, toys and festively dressed statues, the Citizens Theatre is definitely in a Christmasy mood, offering two completely different productions for audiences.
Simon is excited. It’s nearly Christmas and he can’t wait to show off his much-loved Christmas socks—found in the frozen section of a supermarket; only they’ve been stolen by Queen Socktopus! Luckily, Santa’s fairies arrive to encourage him to go and get them back.
Or something like that. In truth, plot is not a major concern in Simon’s Magical Christmas Socks (***). The company of five, all final year students at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, are engaging players, and the production bumps along at a steady pace. Andy McGregor’s script is pretty thin stuff, but the production is fun in a charming way—particularly when the company involve the children in the dramatic action.
That’s when Simon really sparkles to life: not when it’s telling its story but when it involves the children. It’s a very pleasant production that’s non-threatening in the slightest. Children will enjoy being involved with what’s going on; adults will take pleasure in watching the children. A win-win for all.
Something definitely NOT meant for small children is the main stage’s production of Hansel & Gretel (****). Stuart Paterson has taken the dark tale and expanded it to a full-length production—with bonus laughs and terror.
A family near starvation, a horrid stepmother, breadcrumb trails and an edible building are all at play here. However, Paterson has added subplots involving a father and son who are wizards and a family of travelling circus performers, resulting in a larger canvas.
And it works a treat. Director Dominic Hill has performed a great magic trick: managing to successfully balance fright and comedy in a production that equally works for the young and the young at heart. The ensemble are terrific across the board, especially Shaun Miller and Karen Kishwick as Hansel and Gretel, who not only are great individually but are also movingly convincing as siblings.
Hill’s production might be too scary for some children (particularly the production’s first five minutes), but those brave enough to wander through the woods will be rewarded with a production that is thrilling, funny and at times touching.
Simon’s Magical Christmas Socks performs until December 31, 2016. Hansel & Gretel performs until January 7, 2017.
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