Eighteen Year 7 boys trod the boards for their theatrical debut in Shiplake College’s Tithe Barn Theatre. Director Jean Harper’s choice of two Grimm tales rewritten by Carol Ann Duffy could not have been better. “Ashputtel” and “The Magic Table” gave boys new to the theatre every chance to shine.
With both productions performed in the round, the boys, inspired by their trip to see the Kneehigh Theatre Company’s “Hansel and Gretel” delivered fast-moving dynamic interpretations. The chorus, in their company white T-Shirts flitted between roles as trees, dovecotes and birds.
“Ashputtel” is a Cinderella variant with a harsh moral code. Ugly sisters Tom Dale and Max Watson gloated magnificently whilst they had the upper hand over Liam Peachey’s Ashputtel, before she dances with the dashing prince played by Jonathan Meadows. Yet after they had sliced off a toe and a heel to squeeze into the golden slipper they are ultimately blinded by the doves. Ed Farrar’s ferocious character was the step-mother from Hell.
“The Magic Table” also unearthed a number of talented actors with real potential. George Greenaway was assured as the tailor and received great support from Billy Sayers, Chris Baker and Archie Stevenson playing his three sons. Somehow Alex Game managed to give a donkey, that spewed forth gold from both ends on command, a distinctive character. Freddie Ellis, as the corrupt landlord, eventually received a painful come-uppance from a very violent magic cudgel, a role relished by Ollie Beeny.
Sarah Krause’s set, constructed by Richard Harper, with its fairy lights and deep, dark recesses brought a menacing quality to the words so appropriate to the tough, and sometimes, violent moral code shown in Grimm’s thoughtful parables.
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