The fairytales many grew up with are getting a darker makeover when GRIMM arrives at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre this month.
Shake and Stir Theatre Co’s latest production brings characters including Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood together in a fast-paced journey through the original Brothers Grimm stories.
Adaptor, co-creator and actor Nelle Lee said the production was inspired by the nostalgia surrounding the familiar characters and original tales.
“Fairytales and stories, when they were told back in the day, were cautionary tales,” Lee said.
“We’ve kind of taken the darkness, added a bit of humour and tried to drag these characters into a modern era.”
Rather than following each story separately, GRIMM sees the characters cross paths in the woods.
The result is a new take on stories audiences may already know well.
Lee said some of the tales are very different from the versions many people remember.
“Some of them are a little bit cheekier and a little bit naughtier than what they might remember from the Disney version,” she said.
Characters such as Rumpelstiltskin are also brought into the wider story, creating unexpected connections between the fairytales.
On stage, Lee will perform alongside a four-person ensemble.
The 75-minute show features movement, dance and singing. It also has a striking set designed to transport audiences into the world of the stories.
“The set is like a big puppet house almost, where we pop in and out, up and down and climb trees and throw apples,” Lee said.
“It’s a real feast for the senses.”
Lee hopes the production will entertain audiences while also giving them something to think about.
“Who are the big bad wolves of today?” she said.
She is also looking forward to returning to Newcastle.
“The theatre is just gorgeous,” Lee said
It’s one of the most beautiful in the country, in my humble opinion, and the audiences are so lovely and welcoming.”
Despite the familiar fairytale characters, GRIMM is not aimed at young children, and the production is recommended for audiences aged 14 and over.
“Come with an open mind and be ready to have a few laughs and a few feels,” Lee said.
GRIMM will be performed at Civic Theatre Newcastle at 7pm on 16 and 17 September.
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