Hirsute Harmony at Theatre Peckham
‘You’ve heard of his-story; you’ve heard of her-story; well, get ready for hair-story!’ That’s the word on the street about Theatre Peckham’s new production of Rapunzel and we were more than ready for a restyle, write Frida, Woody and Ed Gray.
Now in its 35th year, and in the safe hands of artistic director Suzann McLean MBE, Theatre Peckham has taken on the troublesome, twisted Brothers Grimm classic tale of female suppression and submission and worked it into a celebration of feminine power and Black hair with maximum volume and attitude.
Judging by the 28 strong young company and the talented cast that greeted us onstage, Peckham Theatre is certainly is fulfilling its ambition to champion under-represented voices and be a catalyst for change in the industry.
The Grimm’s witchery and thinly-veiled misogyny are washed out in this production as everything is turned on its head in this tale of Leznu Par (See what they did there?) and her mother’s hairdresser’s shop, Barnet Magic.
There’s a fair bit of backcombing over the course of the evening as we learn how Leznu gained the magic powers she possesses – All thanks to her grandmother Mama Bea’s magical medicinal prowess before she was stolen. Marcus Ayton brilliantly conjures up the spirit of Mama Bea in the opening scenes, much to the great delight of the audience who clearly recognised a beloved no-nonsense Aunty or Nan of their own in his delivery.
Further uncomfortable Rapunzel knots are naturally combed out in this contemporary redo: Think less handsome prince and more, cool, bountifully-headed Rapunzel, Kellah-M, saving Dignity Jones’s dignity from her high tower in Epping Forest. Misfit Dignity himself has his own chorus of enthusiastic Young Company stars who narrate and boost his efforts in a lively Bugsy Malone style.
Writer Geoffrey Aymer and lyricist Jordan Xavier, the duo behind the theatre’s very successful Scroogalicious musical, have created a score that weaves together romantic ballads and high energy numbers to keep the audience engaged throughout. The Pat Pat song, a homage to hirsute harmony, was the highlight that tickled the Team Gray reviewers the most as we sang along with the actors.
Everything works out in the end for Leznu/Rapunzel in this tale of feminine power and beauty; her pure heart outshines the treachery of half-sister Cassie, the epitome of greed, shallow vanity and modern social media fakery. The finale features some stunning hairdos that made the whole auditorium roar.
As the company took their bows, the grateful audience was buzzing with love for a theatre company with community at its heart, one that celebrates diversity and nurtures its finest young talent. And the verdict of our young reviewers? Spiking up his hair as we left, Woody declared the evening’s show ’Outstanding!’ while Frida pat-pat-patted her fair barnet and chuckled.
Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil St, London, SE5 7SB until 24th December. Times: Varied – see website for details. Admission: £7.50 – £15.
Booking: www.theatrepeckham.co.uk
