FAIRYTALE ON CHURCH STREET
The Cockpit Theatre
8th to 30th Dec 2023
“Set to delight audiences young and old this festive season, The Cockpit announces the cast for its 2023 Christmas production Fairytale on Church Street. With drag superstar Glitzy Von Jagger (Virgin Drag Star Winner, BBC Radio Comedy Winner, Drag Idol Finalist) taking on the iconic role of Mother Hood, and Carys McQueen (Cabaret, Kit Kat Klub at the Playhouse Theatre; Father Christmas, Lyric Hammersmith) as Red Riding Hood, this magical adventure is packed with songs, silly gags, audience participation and everyone’s favourite fairytale characters.
Fairytale on Church Street also features the fantastic talents of Artie Godden (We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, UK tour; [INSERT PLAY], Camden People’s Theatre) as Robin Hood, Emilia Harrild (The Threepenny Opera, The Cockpit; Romeo & Juliet, East London Shakespeare Festival) as Goldilocks and Lauson Kenyon (Johnny Feathers, Riverside Studios; Zog & The Flying Doctors, UK Tour) as the Big Bad Wolf.”
Review by Richard Lambert, 2 Stars
A long show has been written, directed and choreographed by Kathryn Gardner.
There wasn’t a theme tune.
There is a long list of other creatives involved in the show which is surprising for a production that feels very much as though it was built on a shoe-string. With no set, a couple of wobbly set pieces on wooden dollies, and just a few props, it doesn’t feel like it came from a large team of people behind the scenes.
Glitzy Von Jagger has quite a few costume changes and there are some good song choices. One of several problems is that the cast are not mic’d so the songs come across rather under-whelming despite the cast giving it their all.
Emilia Harrild as Goldilocks is the stand-out performer amongst the multi-talented cast who all play several musical instruments. I wasn’t convinced that all the musical instruments had been correctly tuned before the show.
Some unusual costume choices – Robin Hood isn’t dressed as a dashing character in tunic and tights, this one is in spectacles and has a knitted tank top, looking more like your Sociology high school teacher than a character muso-performer. He’s not supposed to be the hero in this story, however, there is a “costumed plain look” usually done with sewn on colourful patches in a Christmas show for families, and then there’s just a costume that’s dull and boring.
The sound isn’t great and the lighting has its challenges in terms of focus and Cueing.
I’m sure with some major cuts, a more atmospheric sound system, and faster pace, there is a show here that schools and families will enjoy.
Photo credit: Amelia Millar
Writer/Co-Director Kathryn Gardner
Co-Director Dave Wybrow
Musical Director Meg Cavanaugh
Cast
Mother Hood Glitzy Von Jagger
Red Riding Hood Carys McQueen
Robin Hood Artie Godden
Goldilocks Emilia Harrild
Big Bad Wolf Lauson Kenyon
Fairytale on Church Street
Dates 8th – 30th December 2023
Location The Cockpit, Gateforth Street, London, NW8 8EH
Run Time 2 hours including a 15 minute interval
Tickets Standard Ticket: £12 Locals: £7 Family Ticket (4 people): £40
Website https://www.thecockpit.org.uk/fairytaleonchurchstreet
Social Media @cockpittheatre