The perfect introduction to ballet for young theatregoers, Northern Ballet’s Hansel & Gretel graced the stage of Mansfield Palace Theatre on 29 April 2025. The audience was treated to a clever and cute re-imagining of the classic fairytale, retold with a focus on the importance of caring for the environment.
In this modern version of the classic Grimms fairytale, protagonists Hansel and Gretel are preoccupied with technology, shown in the opening scenes to be engrossed in playing their game consoles. A fight over a broken controller ends up in their dad sending them outside for some much-needed fresh air – and, as the story goes, the pair decide to leave a trail of sweets to help them find their way home.
Throughout the show, we’re reminded of the traditional fairytale narrative – but at some points, it is noticeable that the archetypal fairytale villain is missing from the plot. Despite this, the visual appeal of the piece keeps the audience engaged throughout.
As Hansel and Gretel make their way through the woods, a beautiful forest spirit appears, deciding to teach Hansel and Gretel a lesson about littering by picking up the things they’ve dropped – leading them to delve deeper into the forest and realise they’re lost. Next up, a fascinating ‘Rubbish Monster’ enters the stage, bedecked in colourful plastic bottles – generating much delight from the children in the audience.
Visual effects are engaging even for the youngest audience members, with monochrome tones representing city life and bright, colourful stage design to help depict Hansel and Gretels’ journey into nature.
Another character is the Lady in the Woods, who becomes furious with the children after they stumble across her cottage in the woods and accidentally break two of her pot plants. However, we’re shown the importance of apologising and making amends when Hansel and Gretel clean up the mess they’ve made, earning the approval of their new-found friend.
Later on, we’re shown that the Rubbish Monster is only scary because of the fact he’s surrounded by so much debris – a useful lesson for us all to become more conscious of environmental issues. Hansel and Gretel join forces with the Lady of the Woods, the Bird Watchers and their dad to plant a beautiful garden in their city – bringing a little green into the previously dull environment.
Visual effects are engaging even for the youngest audience members, with monochrome tones representing city life and bright, colourful stage design to help depict Hansel and Gretel's journey into nature.
The story bore no hint of wicked witch or evil stepmother, bringing more of a balanced approach to gender roles. A selection of talented musicians helped a skilled ensemble of dancers bring the story to life, eliciting interest and excitement from the multi-generational audience. An array of enchanting characters merge tradition with modernity and show us how a story can be told through dance, without words.
Overall, this short ballet, designed especially for families, is a perfect way to share the joys of dance with children – and remind us all of the importance of caring for the world around us.
Northern Ballet's Hansel and Gretal took place at Mansfield Palace Theatre on Tuesday 29 April 2025.
mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre/
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