- Written by Katie Elin-Salt and directed by Sherman Theatre’s Artistic Director Joe Murphy, this brand new musical show celebrates teamwork and the importance of asking for help when you need it
- Hansel and Gretel is aimed at children aged 3-6 and their families, and is performed at Sherman Theatre (27 Nov 2023 - 6 Jan 2024) following a November tour
- Peter Pan, the company’s co-production with Theatr Iolo for older children and their families, is also performed at Sherman Theatre
- The two Christmas shows close the company’s 50th anniversary year
Sherman Theatre’s 50th birthday Christmas production Hansel and Gretel starts its tour of south Wales next week, before returning for a five-week run at the theatre’s Cardiff venue.
Filled with songs and laughter, this new version of the classic tale is the story everyone loves, but with an added delicious and delightful twist, performed in an informal environment in separate performances, Hansel and Gretel in English, and Hansel a Gretel in Welsh, translated by Branwen Davies.
It’s Christmas Eve but something’s not right in the woods. Pine trees are changing into Sweet trees. The river is flowing with treacle. All of this is the work of Sioned Siocled who is turning everything into sweets!
Only Hansel and Gretel stand in her way. They set off on an incredible adventure to save the woods. On their travels they’ll meet magical new friends including Spencer Squirrel and Trefor Tree. They’ll also learn that asking for help is the bravest thing anyone can do.
Joe Murphy, who has directed two smash hit Christmas shows for older children (Tales of the Brothers Grimm and A Christmas Carol) and now turns his hand to a show for under 7s, said: “In many ways Sherman Theatre’s bilingual Christmas production for ages 3 – 6 is one of the most important shows we produce each year. Every Christmas, thousands of children get their first taste of the magic of theatre with the Studio show.
“I am therefore hugely looking forward to bringing Katie’s wonderful play to life and aware that it’s a real responsibility to give children an experience that will enthral them, an experience that will stay with them for many years.”
Hansel and Gretel is performed by a cast of three actor-musicians; Mari Fflur, James Ifan and Elin Phillips.
Joining Joe Murphy in the creative team are Set and Costume Designer Hayley Grindle, Composer and Musical Director Lynwen Haf Roberts, Lighting Designer Ceri James and Alice Eklund as Assistant Director, part of Sherman Theatre’s Trainee Welsh Language Director initiative.
The show will tour to Newport, Blackwood, Garth Olwg, Ystradynglais, Chepstow, Brecon, Penygraig and Barry before a final Christmas run of performances at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff.
Over the past 50 years, Christmas productions made at Sherman Theatre have introduced generations of children from across South Wales to the magic of theatre – always with a twist. In its 50th birthday year, the company is touring Hansel and Gretel while its co-production with Theatr Iolo, Peter Pan, is performed at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff (27 Nov 2023 – 6 Jan 2024).
Tour Information
Sherman Theatre present
HANSEL AND GRETEL / HANSEL A GRETEL
Tue 7 2023 – The Riverfront, Newport
Wed 8 / Thu 9 2023 – Blackwood Miner’s Institute, Blackwood
Fri 10 / Sat 11 2023 – Canolfan Garth Olwg Centre, Church Village
Mon 13 2023 – The Welfare, Ystradgynlais
Tue 14 / Fri 17 2023 – The Drill Hall, Chepstow
Wed 15 2023 – Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
Mon 20 / Tue 21 2023 – Soar Centre, Penygraig
Wed 22 / Thu 23 2023 – Memo Arts Centre, Barry
Mon 27 Nov 2023 – Sat 6 Jan 2024 – Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Recommended for children aged 3-6 and their families
Running time: 45mins