Review: This is Not Hansel and Gretel, Banshee Labyrinth

“You know the story, all of it,” Christian Hege tells us, opening his performance. Except we don’t – at least not this version because This is Not Hansel and Gretel. This one offers a rather more realistic, detailed, and dare I say darker twist on the classic fairy tale that we all surely know inside out. It instead harks back to the original style of so many fairy tales, which have gone on to become sanitised over the years.

Without a doubt, Hege is a superb storyteller. His delivery flows across his tongue, and the rhythm is gloriously lyrical throughout. He paints distinct pictures with his words, building up the world of the two children in all its bleakness. But even before he delves into their story, he vividly describes life for the common person in 1317; food is sparse, famine is everywhere and children, perhaps, a burden that is not always welcomed or sustainable. 

Hege’s attention to detail is immaculate, and his descriptions of medieval life are fascinating. It’s not until about ten minutes in that the lights switch, and he finally takes a seat to begin the actual story. And herein is my issue: it’s just all too elongated. Each scene is crammed full of description and vivid imagery, but put all together, it begins to drag on beyond what many would be willing to tolerate. A fairytale should never be one hour long, at least not one delivered as a narrative only. Yes, some will love sitting back to allow the words to flow over them, but for others, me included, it starts to feel too indulgent. The piece really could be half this length with ease, the repetition and small details cut to bring it down in length, and then maybe told as part of a double header. It would still allow for a great story, but help keep it fresh and more appealing to a wider audience. And you sense Hege has other stories up his sleeve that he could bring in to create that double header.

But length aside, there’s no doubting the skill on show. Hege, with his gloriously full white beard (I have definite beard envy of people who can maintain such wonderful facial hair), seems like he was born for the role of storyteller. He moves across the stage, waving his hands to point and gesture at imaginary sights, while his longing looks into the distance almost force you to turn to see what he is seeing behind you. As a performer, you cannot fault him.

The story as well is superbly twisted, a hint of Wicked within it, as the evil witch who we know tries to bake the children is just getting bad press: she isn’t the bad one here. It’s always fun to hear classic stories reworked in such a way, adding a sense of realism to the fantasy that they have become over the years. 

But ultimately, for me, it just goes on a few beats too long. It’s easy to marvel at the skill, but it’s not quite enough to keep me fully engaged for a whole hour.

Written by Christian Hege
Directed by Jenny Mercein
Produced by Christian Hege / PBH’s Free Fringe

This is Not Hansel and Gretel plays at Banshee Labyrinth until Sunday 30 August as part of PBH’s Free Fringe