“Red Riding Hood”
Nottingham Lakeside

Presented by Eugene House in association with Lakeside Arts, this year’s Christmas show, aimed at kids, but is just as entertaining for adults, is the story of Red Riding Hood.

Written by Mike Kenny and Directed by Matt Aston, this is a joyous piece of theatre that returns to Lakeside after its’ 2011 debut and will entertain and enthral kids of any age.

The show has musical numbers especially written with children in mind by Julian Butler, who has written pieces of music and songs for children for years now, so he knows what he is doing to capture the little ones imagination and attention.

As an adult theatre-goer, I could hear distant echoes of "Into the Woods" songs and I love the dark feel through the songs. Because let's face it, the story is quite a dark one that may go unnoticed by younger audience members, again making this story work on different levels for all.

The story is about a little girl, Brigit, who went to spend the night at Grandma’s house, and her little brother, Stephen, came too. She just wanted to go to sleep but he was excited and wouldn’t settle down. To help get him off to sleep, the young girl promised to tell her brother a story. But when you start acting out your favourite fairy-tale, who knows what’s in store?

The set is very quirky and quite cartoon-strip style but also holds a lovely nostalgic olde-world "grandma"style brown interior design look, which all adds to the feel of this piece of theatre. Designed by Laura McEwen.

Anne Kirkman and Adam Ryan who play the kids, and all of the roles, are quite magical to watch, and as an adult, I found their story-telling just mesmerising and their characterisation spot on from the eyes of the children.

One thing that makes brilliant theatre, and can either make the show a success or not, is the lighting and sound and both Richard Statham (Lighting design) and Edwin Wallace (Sound design) added that extra layer of magic to this play.

I also loved the choreography (Claire Cunningham) which worked so well in this piece.

Beautifully directed by Matt Aston, he created a very understated piece of magic for the whole family

The play only lasts 55 minutes so is a lovely diversion from the hustle and bustle of Christmas – or New Year – preparations and will keep everyone transfixed, if only for a short while. I'm sure though that it's something that the audience will be talking about long after they have left Lakeside.

I must also mention that the end of the story also has a lovely twist, which I certainly had not anticipated!

“Red Riding Hood” is at Djanogly Lakeside Theatre until Sunday 30 December 2018 and get there a bit earlier so that you and the little ones can check out the wonderful digital installation exhibition by Barret Hodgson that is at Lakeside as well.