Rumpelstiltskin (Desle McConney) spins straw into gold in a scene from Rumpelstiltskin at the Baxter Theatre. Rumpelstiltskin (Desle McConney) spins straw into gold in a scene from Rumpelstiltskin at the Baxter Theatre.
RUMPELSTILTSKIN.
Directed by Elton John Duffy, with Elton John Duffy, Nikki Louw, Liandé Valentyn, Karen Visser and Desle McConney.
At The Baxter Theatre from Mondays to Saturdays until January 15 at 10.30am.
RAFIEK MAMMON reviews.
A classic fairy tale is brought alive in this interesting rendition of the Brothers Grimm’s story of a strange little man with a strange little name. I never did understand why he is the bad guy in this story.
He did what he said he would do, as someone who can be trusted to deliver on his promises, but he is still made the villain.
The real bad people are the cruel king and the forked-tongued queen, who made a promise when she was in need, then changed her mind.
Because the story was not written for me, but for young children – for whom good needs to triumph over evil at all costs – Rumpelstiltskin will never win.
The interesting part of this rendition is while traditionally “evil” Rumpelstiltskin would have been banished to the darkest dungeons of the kingdom, he is now allowed back into society, spinning gold for the poor and singing in the finale.
This show is ideal for youngsters to see during the holidays. I am always in favour of encouraging children to become our future theatregoers. In this world of video games and state-of-the-art home entertainment, they do not get to see enough theatre productions.
It was delightful to see and hear the clamour of young voices as they helped the miller (Duffy), his wife (Valentyn) and his daughter (Louw) to find out the name of the strange little man (McConney).
Rumpelstiltskin features some catchy tunes for the children to sway and clap hands to, and has a very credible cast.
As is necessary with children's theatre, the set, although limited because they have to be mindful of the evening show’s set, is colourful and the costumes bright and cheerful.
There could have been more audience participation and even more reference to modern advancements in technology. Opportunities to make these references are plentiful, but tend to get lost as the directorial choices are more traditional.
All things considered, Rumpelstiltskin is still very much worth a trip to the Baxter.
l Tickets are R38. To book, call Computicket at 083 915 8000. For block bookings, call 021 558 2650. - Cape Times