THEATRE list.co.uk/theatre
HITLIST THE BEST THEATRE & DANCE
N O T S N H O J N H O J
✽ Aganeza Scrooge Johnny McKnight gives Dickens a decidedly feminine twist in
this reimagining of A Christmas Carol, which features a compelling cast. See review, page 131. Tron Theatre, Glasgow, until Sat 5 Jan.
✽ Aladdin and Wee Jeannie This adult- oriented tale of Plan A-style austerity in Old Peking is as enjoyably silly as past Òran Mór pantos. See review, page 132. Òran Mór, Glasgow, until Sat 22 Dec.
✽ The Ugly Duckling Witty and charming
Catherine Wheels/Arches co-production for younger children, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s time- less tale. See review, page 132. Arches, Glasgow, until Sun 30 Dec.
THE SNOW QUEEN Dundee Rep’s adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s tale features just the right balance of fun and darkness, fi nds Allan Radcliffe
A fter
last year’s Cinderella, which reimagining of transported the action of the Grimm fairy tale to a houseboat populated by retired magicians, Dundee Rep ensemble has gone back to basics with a straightforward but nonetheless captivating take on another classic.
There may be no men in frocks or singalongs here but what Jemima Levick’s production lacks in traditional panto mores it more than makes up for in atmosphere and urgent storytelling. Molly Vevers and Martin McBride are charmingly wide-eyed as Gerda and Kai, the childhood best pals rent asunder when a splinter of cursed mirror finds its way 130 THE LIST 13 Dec 2012–24 Jan 2013
into Kai’s heart. Gerda’s quest to find her chum (aided by a game Ann Louise Ross as her guardian angel) leads to a series of enjoyable encounters with talking crows, robbers, princesses, and finally the icy monarch herself (Emily Winter, stalking the frozen wastes on stilts). The episodic nature of the adaptation, by Mike Kenny, means the pace is never allowed to flag while designer Lisa Sangster’s swaying pines, bright-coloured houses and snowflake jumpers give a timely nod to the dark thrills of Scandic chillers such as The Killing.
Dundee Rep, until Sat 5 Jan ●●●●●
✽ Cinderella Sparkling Christmas offering set in the postmodern pantosphere, again courtesy of the ubiquitous Johnny McKnight. See review, page 132. Macrobert, Stirling, until Mon 31 Dec.
✽ Puss in Boots Catchy songs, local refer- ences, a sharp script and even a genuine
sweetie shower make this a panto worth going out of your way for. See review, page 131. Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh, until Sat 5 Jan.
✽ Cinderella Lots of slapstick, visual flair, ropey jokes and excellent performances
from the likes of Karen Dunbar and Gavin Mitchell in this very traditional panto. See review, page 131. King’s Theatre, Glasgow, until Sun 6 Jan.
✽ The Snow Queen Atmospheric, fun adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson’s
tale by the Dundee Rep ensemble. See review, left. Dundee Rep, until Sat 5 Jan.
✽ A Taste of Honey Revival of the late Salford playwright Shelagh Delaney’s
groundbreaking look at class, race, gender and sexuality. See preview, page 132. Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh, Fri 18 Jan–Sat 9 Feb.
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