REVIEW: Grimms - Trafalgar Studios 2 [Theatre Buff]

Theatre Buff

Behind the scenes after the final curtain call...

REVIEW: Grimms - Trafalgar Studios 2

Posted on December 22, 2006 4:03 PM
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Grimms: Unfortunately the Final Chapter

What does your laughter sound like? Some people burst forth with a gutsy bellow, a stifled giggle or a chuckle. My little sister sounds like a guinea pig with a megaphone, or a machine gun firing off rounds.

Last night, at Trafalgar Studios 2 the foghorn was turned up on full. The reason for the laughter was one of the best live theatre performances I've seen in a very long time. Grimms: the Final Chapter is a refreshing take on the average Christmas show. While the rest of London soaks in cringe worthy celeb-packed panto, why not treat yourself to some refreshing quality acting and a heavy dose of imagination fodder?

It's not often you take the ankle biters to a Christmas play and end up enjoying it just as much as they do. Forget tinsel, soppy-eyed elves and a far too cheery Santa; 'Grimms' is a mysterious mix of the world's most loved folk tales.

As expected, press night didn't involve many youngsters and the poor little lad in the corner got the full brunt of the characters' attention. The scary masks and creepy puppets scared the stuffing out of me... but the young 'un squirmed in joy. He obviously didn't understand most of the adult based jokes but the constant flow of silliness, song and drama kept him spellbound.

With a name like Baba Yaga, the Russian witch was sure to scare. The folk stories also featured a wicked Lady called Balladine, a Ukrainian bride-stealing vampire and a stage full of simple but effect props. Snow White even made an appearance. The beauty of this production is the diverse variety of stories; not only does it keep the audience's attention span at bay, it also allows the actors to explore a myriad of characters. And boy did they explore. Audience interaction, toilet jokes and slapstick humour-like gags kept us all amused (again, apologies for the foghorn but Kate Lush has to take the blame... hilarious).

Production company Horla have a history of enchanting and slightly spooky Christmas shows. 'Grimms' is their sixth and final instalment. As I chatted to Director, Alistair Green in the deserted theatre prior to the show, it was obvious that a great deal of time and energy went into the production. He and all involved should be extremely proud. Who knows what they'll pull out of Santa's sack next... let's just hope we don't have too long to wait. In the words of the characters:

"We're sorry to bid you farewell now but it's time for YOUR journey to start".

If your kids are over six, put a couple of tickets in Santa's sack this Christmas and give them a bit of gift-wrapped culture. If you don't have kids, go anyway - it beats many of the big budget shows on the West End hands, and puppet strings down.

Grimms: The Final Chapter runs until January 6th 2007 at Trafalgar Studios