It was great to see Hansel & Gretel in The Independent as "Ten Best Theatre" shows today.
Wishing everyone a very happy new year, and we look forward to celebrating the start of 2012 with the final four shows on Monday 2 and Tuesday 3 January!
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Friday, 30 December 2011
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Alex the Director talks about the show
We have had a brilliant time making and playing the show to thousands of school children and families throughout the run so far at The Junction.
On a bumper show day of 3 shows to packed audiences, Director of Hansel & Gretel and Artistic Director of NIE; Alex Byrne reflects on the experience:
We still have 2 more shows tomorrow before the new year and 2 more days of shows in 2012, so if you haven't done so already, don't miss your chance to catch it in Cambridge!
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
Spotlight on Live Music
Anyone who has already been to see the show will know live music plays an important role in our version of Hansel and Gretel.
No less than seven pieces of original music feature in the one hour show – four songs and three pieces of incidental music which are used to to set a scene or introduce a new character. All composed by musician and cast member Carly Davis who plays the witch.
Right from the start of the development stages of the show we wanted our version of Hansel and Gretel to have a european folk music feel with Director Alex very much wanting the music to take the audience on a journey. With this in mind Carly went on to create lots of different songs and music to reflect the show's story, these were then edited down and developed in the rehearsal process (and according to which cast members could play which instruments).
We use a lot of instruments in the show – guitar, ukulele, accordian, double bass, trombone, clarinet, recorder, drum sticks (making drums out of the set) and glockenspiel. The show's winter forest set certainly provides lots of handy resting places for these...
All five cast members have musicial backgrounds but even they had to learn to play some new instruments for the show. For instance, Mia who plays Hansel and Gretel's Norwegian stepmother can play very well the trombone and clarinet so both are used in the show, but she has also learnt some bits of music on the double bass so she plays that at some points as well.
The result? Listen to two songs from the show 'Breadcrumbs' and 'All the food was gone' below to find out...
For those thinking about coming to see the show, but perhaps haven't booked tickets yet listen to what Junction audiences think below on audio boo...
No less than seven pieces of original music feature in the one hour show – four songs and three pieces of incidental music which are used to to set a scene or introduce a new character. All composed by musician and cast member Carly Davis who plays the witch.
Right from the start of the development stages of the show we wanted our version of Hansel and Gretel to have a european folk music feel with Director Alex very much wanting the music to take the audience on a journey. With this in mind Carly went on to create lots of different songs and music to reflect the show's story, these were then edited down and developed in the rehearsal process (and according to which cast members could play which instruments).
We use a lot of instruments in the show – guitar, ukulele, accordian, double bass, trombone, clarinet, recorder, drum sticks (making drums out of the set) and glockenspiel. The show's winter forest set certainly provides lots of handy resting places for these...
All five cast members have musicial backgrounds but even they had to learn to play some new instruments for the show. For instance, Mia who plays Hansel and Gretel's Norwegian stepmother can play very well the trombone and clarinet so both are used in the show, but she has also learnt some bits of music on the double bass so she plays that at some points as well.
The result? Listen to two songs from the show 'Breadcrumbs' and 'All the food was gone' below to find out...
For those thinking about coming to see the show, but perhaps haven't booked tickets yet listen to what Junction audiences think below on audio boo...
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
The show goes on
After enjoying a couple of days off for Christmas, the Hansel & Gretel performers are back into The Junction with shows right through into the new year. Many shows are now sold out but there is some good availability on the 2nd and 3rd January so booking in advance is advisable!
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Four Star Review from The Guardian
Earlier today we were delighted to find a four star review of the show by Lyn Gardner in The Guardian newspaper.
For those who have a copy handy, find us on Pg 42 along with one of Claire’s great production images of Steffi as Hansel.
“A folksy affair, done with just the right touch of nastiness and warm-hearted playfulness… much to enjoy for all members of the family”
★★★★ Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
Click here to read the on line version.
Its fantastic to see word of mouth spreading about the show, yesterday we learnt a number of this week's performances have sold out (including both Christmas Eve shows!) and on Friday we announced two extra shows on Tue 03 Jan at 11.30am and 2.30pm. Tickets for both now on sale from The Junction, Box Office.
For latest ticket availability visit The Junction's website www.junction.co.uk which is updated daily.
For latest ticket availability visit The Junction's website www.junction.co.uk which is updated daily.
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