Interview: Director Lucy Betts & Musical Director Tom Attwood on RAPUNZEL at The Watermill
The Watermill Theatre is nestled in the Berkshire countryside, just outside of Newbury, and has been producing top quality British theatre since 1967. Every year, the converted mill offers an alternative to commercial pantomime, weaving beautifully told tales with live music to create a festive experience that the whole family can enjoy.
This year will be no exception. Rapunzel comes to the Watermill stage from 18 November 2022 - 1 January 2023 with a wonderful range of inclusive performances too, including a touch tour, audio described and BSL interpreted performances during the run. There are also several showings where the audience are invited to cosy up and enjoy the show in their best Christmas PJ’s! Count us in, Besties!
We sat down with director Lucy Betts and musical director Tom Attwood to talk about what audiences can expect from this year’s Winter offering.
“It’s definitely zany!” Attwood said. “There is plenty of slapstick and a Christmassy feel to some of the music”.
The show is written by Annie Siddons and was first presented by Kneehigh at Battersea Arts Centre in 2006. For this new production, the song lyrics remain the same as in the original, but with new music created by Attwood in collaboration with the six actor-musicians who make up the cast. “The songs are all in different styles” explains Attwood, performed using a range of instruments including keyboard, double bass, saxophone, violin, and trombone!
Lucy Betts said: “It’s not your traditional fairytale, our Rapunzel isn’t a damsel in distress”. In fact, the characters all have a lot more depth than one might expect from a fairytale version of the story. “There are lots of ideas, themes and mad characters. We spend a lot of time laughing, which makes it a joy to come to work!”
“It really is an ensemble piece and the process has been very collaborative, with everyone in the room sharing ideas. We want it to be accessible and exciting to the four year olds in the audience, just as much as the adults”.
Rapunzel is designed by Isobel Nicholson, with lighting by Alex Musgrave.
For more information and to book tickets, please click here.