Production shots

We now have some great production shots from the show thanks to Claire Haugh which give some idea of what the show looks like (although even better to come along to The Junction and have a look at our winter wonderland!)

Photos: Claire Haigh 2011
www.clairehaigh.co.uk

The Guardian Guide today!

After a great opening on Wednesday and daytime school performances this week, we can't wait for Sunday and some family shows. We were also pleased to be in The Guardian Guide's preview section today and in Lyn Gardner's theatre tips for the third week running!

"I haven't seen it yet, but NIE's Hansel and Gretel at the Junction in Cambridge is creating quite a buzz" Lyn Gardner, The Guardian

Opening night & the first set of reviews are in!

Yesterday marked another big milestone for us – opening night. Setting the stage, the theatre foyer was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with fake snow, pine cones and real gingerbread (this is Hansel and Gretel after all!) meanwhile the scent of mulled wine filled the air teasing guests, press and audience goers who had assembled for the show ...

Gone before the auditorium doors opened. The mulled wine went done a treat last night!

This morning we woke to the first set of reviews for the show. Here are some of our favourite quotes...




“With its European folk songs, physical inventiveness and clever use of puppetry... this is far from being a traditional panto”


Andrew Aldridge, The Stage




“This is one magical journey worth making in all weathers and will warm the heart on even the coldest December night”


Glen Pearce, ***** Public Reviews




"A deeply funny fairytale, tinged with pathos... the perfect embodiment of less is more"


Eleanor Turney, A Younger Theatre.




“A magical show which ventures deep into the traditions of storytelling, Hansel and Gretel is a delight for all ages and an intelligent alternative to the gaudy glitz which can often obscure the humble wonders of Christmas”


Jennifer Shelton, Cambridge News

Opening Night ...

The Junction’s foyer has been transformed into a Christmas winter wonderland (look out for Toby’s great forest mural in the corner) the dress rehearsals done and this morning we had our first schools performance (thanks again to all at Bottisham Primary).

All that remains is the show’s official unveiling to the public and press tonight. Join us,  we hear there will be mulled wine and minced pies ... 

Dress rehearsal and final countdown

This afternoon we had a dress rehearsal for the show with some willing young audience members who really enjoyed the show, and have finished off tweaking a few bits before the first public show tomorrow morning!

Hansel and Gretel at Mill Road Winter Fair

This weekend was a busy one for the team with final rehearsals, set get in and the Mill Road Winter Fair on Saturday ...

Now in its sixth year, Mill Road Winter Fair is an annual Cambridge event held in the Mill Road area of the city featuring arts and craft stalls, lots of street food and live performances including our very own Hansel and Gretel cast members Mia, Unai and Carly who entertained the crowds with live music from the show.

Here is a clip of them at work ...

We also had a information stall at the fair decked out with photos, props and more information about the show. Our Hansel and Gretel balloons were such a big hit with younger fair goers we actually ran out (don't worry we have ordered more). Big thanks to our fantastic flyers Ed, Rachel and Alice for all their help on the day also!

Independent on Sunday coverage

Great press coverage from the Independent on Sunday yesterday about our show, they seem as excited as we are about it opening!

Click here to link to The Independent on Sunday

We are now into the final production days on the show and are putting the set in The Junction's theatre space. It will start to look very beautiful soon...