The classic tale of Rapunzel originated from a German fairytale, as told by the Brothers Grimm. Its original publication date is recorded as 1812 so it’s seen a few retellings and adaptations since then, including the much loved Disney film - Tangled.

This winter, The Watermill Theatre are sharing their version of the story, directed by Lucy Betts. The script is by Annie Siddons and was first presented by Kneehigh Theatre at Battersea Arts Centre in 2006. It is a quirky and often comical retelling of Rapunzel’s (Tilly-Mae Millbrook) imprisonment in a tower, by her Mother - Mother Gothel (Miiya Alexandra).

Mother Gothel claims that this incarceration is for Rapunzel’s own good, and cites her daughters safety and her own protective motherly love as the reasons for locking her away. While Rapunzel is trapped, her hair grows long enough to climb - the only way to get into or out of the tower.

Meanwhile, the local Prince, Patrizio (Loris Scarpa), is exploring the kingdom which is soon to become his, and sees Mother Gothel climbing into the tower via Rapunzel’s hair. With a little help from the audience, he works out how to enter and immediately falls in love with Rapunzel, promising to return and free her. On discovering that Rapunzel is being visited by one other than herself, Mother Gothel cuts off Rapunzel’s hair, and sends her off into the forest alone. The lovestruck pair must then face a series of challenges before finding each other again, and ultimately living happily ever after!

The production is a mish-mash of concepts and genres. There are elements of pantomime in the slapstick humour, audience interaction and a short sing-a-long - complete with flown in song sheet! All six performers are actor-musicians and play a variety of instruments as well as their characters. There are a few moments of puppetry when we see fluttering butterflies and a plant covered in eyeballs, along with some stylised movement sequences, directed by Adrian Quinton, and some very comical moments, mostly courtesy of Emma Barclay who plays Pierluigi Ambrosi and Baldozi.

Jess Lobo makes her professional debut as Prezze, who helps Patrizio on his quest to reunite with Rapunzel, and Roddy Lynch brings comical life to Paulo, Patrizio’s brother, keen to kill off his sibling and steal the kingdom for himself.

There are lots of fun moments in the show - the fireman’s pole on stage provides some great physical comedy as well as a handy way to navigate from the higher level of the set to the lower. A cheeky wild pig is a recurring character, helping Rapunzel during her journey and providing magical golden acorns from its poop - much to the hilarity of the children in the audience!

The set, designed by Isobel Nicholson, makes good use of the limited height in the space, providing very clear upper and lower levels of the stage, and the staircase which dominates the performance space is made to look like one of the old trees which is part of the forest. The effect of woodland is enhanced by lighting design by Alex Musgrave, using lots of green lighting and making effective use of shadows.

While there is plenty to enjoy in this production of Rapunzel, it feels like there is a touch of magic missing, which could make it a great family Christmas show.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Sarah Brown

Rapunzel runs until 1 January 2023, with tickets available here.