Who ever heard of a villain called Graham? But in the gently subversive world of RashDash’s Snow White and Rose Red, it makes absolute sense. The performance, at London’s Battersea Arts Centre, was a quirky set of engaging drama, spirited dance, and mesmerising songs.
Snow White and Rose Red’s tale is told with a knowing wink to the audience. The sisters – played by Helen Goalen and Abbi Greenalnd, who also wrote, directed and choreographed the performance – are at pains to point out that this tale is not the same as Disney’s Snow White. Instead, it’s derived from a darker story, from the Brothers Grimm.
Against a modernist set of scaffolding poles, which occasionally twinkle into life as neon trees, the sisters tell the tale of a man called Graham, whose heart is frozen when he goes out for elk and pickle sandwiches, and returns to find his village all lost in the snow. He sets about cursing people, and turning them ino hideous creatures. There are many plot twists in this story – possibly too many for the younger members of the audience to follow (lots of families came with children under five, although the show is billed for over-5s). When a bear turns up and Snow White falls in love with the ursine character, the sisters are plunged into a quest that sees them venturing out into the snow, and fighting fearsome foe.
RashDash’s energy and enthusiasm turned what could have been an overly long performance into something that sent families (even the ones with very young children) out into the chilly night with smiles and merriment. The final ‘boss’ baddie, the Creepalicious Creature, was an impressive, 10-foot tall puppet. The Snow Angel, played by Becky Wilkie, charmed the audience (and Rose Red) with her sardonic sparkliness. And the music’s variety drew us in. With echoes of Bat For Lashes, Mumford and Sons, CBBC show Nellie and Nora – and, of course, a bit of Frozen – it was cleverly written and executed.
The first half was a bit too long, and some of the dialogue a little bit too clever-clever. But, after this performance, I’m dying to see what RashDash come up with next. They are clearly destined to scale snowy peaks, and bring down many, many baddies.
Battersea Arts Centre invited us to see Snow White and Rose Red for the purpose of this review. All views are my own.
Picture credit: the Other Richard B
Snow White and Rose Red is at Battersea Arts Centre until 30 December 2017. Ticket prices range from £12.50-£22. It’s suitable for children over 5.
If you’d like to read about more Christmas theatre in London, check out our guide.
And don’t forget to check out our guide to the best theatres for kids in London.
26 Comments
Jenny - TraveLynn Family
January 5, 2018 at 8:14 amI love stories that tell the darker side of a fairytale. This sounds a wonderful production. #culturedkids
Nell
January 5, 2018 at 12:13 pmIt was. Not schmaltzy at all, but super-cute nevertheless.
Jenny
January 5, 2018 at 8:55 amThis sounds like lots of fun, Nell. I like things that are a bit off-beat. I used to volunteer at the Batersea Arts Centre – it is such a lovely venue!
Nell
January 5, 2018 at 12:17 pmOh, I never knew that! Yes, it’s a great place. They’re refurbishing it at the moment, after last year’s fire.
Leona
January 5, 2018 at 11:55 amI’ve not heard of rashdash but certainly one to look out for
Nell
January 5, 2018 at 12:18 pmThey’re relatively new, I think. Bags of talent.
Emma T
January 5, 2018 at 12:48 pmSounds like an interesting version. We went to our first panto (well, my first since being an adult) this Christmas, and that one dragged on too long for us. I think I prefer shows with a hint to panto rather than the full on camp fun.
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 7:53 pmWe saw our first Panto as a family this year, too. I wasn’t sure what I’d make of it, but I’m now a massive fan of the genre. I think you either love them or hate them!
katherine
January 5, 2018 at 2:04 pmIt sounds like an awesome show, and I’d probably go and enjoy it slightly more than the kids would. I love that London does so many great shows with kids in mind though. Panto’s and plays are great for them. #CulturedKids
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 7:54 pmLondon really is a spectacular place for shows. We’re spoiled for choice!
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World
January 5, 2018 at 2:40 pmLike Denmark’s own H.C. Andersen, the Grimm fairy tales are definitely darker than the average Disney-fied fare, we have learnt here as well. I personally like to see a remix on old classics and the idea of a new Snow White telling! Sounds fun! #CulturedKids
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 8:03 pmYes, I think it would have been right up your street, Erin!
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays
January 5, 2018 at 7:31 pmOooh RashDash sounds like a name to look out for, I prefer the darker nature of the Grimm tales to the saccharine of Disney.
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 8:04 pmMe too! They’re definitely a company to watch.
Corey with fifi + hop
January 5, 2018 at 10:00 pmI love taking my girls to the theatre, wish we did it more often. This sounds like a clever and interesting twist, and one I would definitely want to see! #fculturedkids
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 8:10 pmI think you’d love this company, Corey.
scots2travel
January 6, 2018 at 2:13 pmYip, Graham sounds evil to me 🙂 Love entertainment with a twist.
#culturedkids
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 8:14 pm🙂 Graham will always be one of those names for me now….
Hilary
January 7, 2018 at 3:56 pmIts always nice to get a fresh take on an old story! We took the boys to see A Christmas Carol in Windsor Castle over the holidays and it was such a great experience I’m definitely going to look into taking them to more live theater. #culturedkids
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 8:26 pmOh, what an amazing venue for a play! I bet that was wonderful.
Nicky @ Go Live Young
January 8, 2018 at 8:10 amThis sounds like a great production…sometimes prefer something a little darker! #culturedkids
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 8:26 pmMe too! Although it was pretty light and jolly at the same time, too.
the Curious Pixie
January 8, 2018 at 2:43 pmA very intriguing version. Love when fairytales come with a twist #CulturedKids
Nell
January 8, 2018 at 8:57 pmAnd me!
Annabel
January 9, 2018 at 9:42 pmSounds like an intriguing show! I must get some theatre shows booked in my diary and I’ll keep a look out for RashDash. #culturedkids
Nell
January 13, 2018 at 4:37 pmYou should! x