Rapunzel – Rainhill Village Hall

Looking for a fun filled magical night? Look no further than Rainhill Musical Theatre Company’s wonderful production of Rapunzel.

Rainhill pleasantly surprise me every time I see them by adding magical moments which are unexpected and fun within their shows.

The show is opened by the adorably ditzy Fairy Dandruff (Lauren Bewley) who appealed beautifully to the kids in the audience with her dozy but sassy character. In perfect contrast, you are then introduced to Mother Gothel (Lynsey Corner), mean, vindictive but with an element of Edina from Absolutely Fabulous which gives her a brilliant all round comedic edge. A character you love to hate.

Moving on to Dame Fanny (David Flanagan), Pascal (David Stevens) and King Bouffant (Gavin Simpson-White) they had good chemistry on stage and Fanny, who grew on me throughout the performance had good  comedy timing especially with King Bouffant and they made an excellent duo, with the energetic and clumsy Pascal added into the mix and you’ve got some utterly fun filled scenes.

Every pantomime needs a hero, even if that hero maybe isn’t as bold and brave as you expect; enter Prince Ryder (Laura Riley) who in his own slightly valiant way rescues the soft, fair and sweet Rapunzel (Emily-Jane Nugent). They both fulfilled their roles and overcame evil; as every good pantomime should.

With an array of wonderfully colourful characters within a talented supporting cast, this pantomime is sure to be a hit. Choreography (Meg Charlton and Lauren Bewley) was diverse and different but also accessible for everyone on stage. The cast worked well as a whole unit and put on a cracker of a show.

Music choices were current and up to date, jokes and references throughout the show were spot on, even including the latest internet sensation ‘6,7’. A very modern and up to date show which will keep children thoroughly engaged and adults bopping along too.

Director (Karen Woods) and producer (Ruth Gibb) have done a superb job bringing this production together and should be extremely proud of the overall outcome. This is a show that is silly, fun, entertaining and the whole package rolled into one that children and adults of all ages can enjoy.

Although the band can at times over power the singing, this is more due to the venue size than any fault of the production, however, the band and musical direction (Wayne Oakes) is so beautifully put together and enjoyable, I would not swap this, it’s rare to get a live band nowadays and it is uplifting and more immersive for the audience. A real treat!

I am always amazed and in awe of Rainhill Musical Theatre Company’s set design (Karen Woods), they are always ingenious, inventive and creative with props and pieces popping up and turning into new pieces throughout. All part of what makes this show magical.

The costumes were excellent for this show, authentic to the characters. You had all the glitz and glam in a beautiful ending as well as throughout. They adapted the costumes of the ensemble regularly to indicate scene changes and main characters were instantly recognisable. Throw in well timed lighting (Aber Lighting), stage changes (Andy Pink) and sound (Kelsey Fulton) and you have one superb show.

The characters created an immersive atmosphere by interactive and moving about within the audience. Again, another enjoyable nugget from a superb show.

Anyone looking for a good laugh and an excellent evening out either for yourselves or the family, should get themselves down to Rainhill Village hall and try and grab the last few remaining tickets as they have, of course, sold very well; which is to be expected with a show of such calibre.

An utter cracker, a joy to watch and good wholesome family fun.

Playing until 17th January, https://www.rainhillmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk/

Reviewer: Steph Wiswall

Reviewed: 15th January 2026

North West End UK Rating: