Northern Ballet: Hansel & Gretel – Festival Theatre

If you’re looking for a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon with the family, Northern Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel is an absolute must-see! I had a lovely time at Edinburgh’s Festival Theatre, completely swept up in this magical, modern twist on the classic fairy tale. It’s got adventure, laughs, and a really important message about looking after our planet—perfect for both kids and grown-ups.

Hansel and Gretel, played by Archie Sherman and Julie Nunès, were these city kids totally obsessed with their video games. Their dad, hilariously portrayed by Andrew Tomlinson, was so fed up he dragged them on a woodland adventure.

The forest set, designed by Ali Allen using recycled materials, was stunning—whimsical and creative but also thought-provoking. The whole production was bursting with imagination, from the playful choreography to the bright, colorful costumes. The kids in the audience were completely mesmerized, laughing at the funny bits and gasping at all the surprises. It was delightful to see them so into it!

One of the most unforgettable moments was the rubbish monster. Covered in trash with these glowing eyes, he shuffled across the stage to the haunting sound of Alexander Volpov’s cello—it was eerie but also a really powerful reminder of what happens when we don’t take care of the planet. When he transformed into the Prince of Nature, shedding his coat of rubbish, it was such a hopeful, uplifting moment. I may or may not have gotten a little emotional!

And then there was the Lady of the Wood, danced beautifully by Gemma Coutts. Bathed in a gorgeous emerald-green light (shoutout to Abbi Fearnley’s lighting design), she taught Hansel and Gretel all about gardening and the joys of nature. The choreography here was so graceful and lovely—it really captured the magic of connecting with the natural world.

At just 40 minutes long, the show was perfectly paced to keep even the littlest audience members entertained. The humor, especially in the early scenes where Hansel and Gretel are not thrilled about leaving their screens, had both kids and adults cracking up. The dancing was charming, the music was enchanting, and the whole thing just felt like a big, magical hug.

I really enjoyed Hansel & Gretel and can’t recommend it enough for families. Northern Ballet has created something that’s not only fun and accessible but also carries such an important message. It’s a fantastic introduction to ballet for kids, and it might just spark some great conversations about taking care of our planet.

When the curtain fell, the kids in the audience were clapping and chattering away—proof of how much they loved it. If you get the chance to see this production, don’t miss it. It’s such a delightful, heart warming experience for everyone!

Reviewer: Nazaret Ranea

Reviewed: 23rd March 2025

North West End UK Rating: