A Darkly Enchanting Tale: ‘The Gingerbread Boudoir’ Reimagines Hansel and Gretel at Riverside Studios

Remember the classic story of Hansel and Gretel? Lost in the woods, they stumble upon a candy-laden gingerbread house, only to be captured by a wicked witch who plans to eat them. In some versions, they turn into gingerbread themselves before tricking the witch and breaking the spell to free all the children. It's a tale that's been retold in many forms, each with its own dark and twisted elements.

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But have you heard the untold story of Hansel and Gretel? Enter with an open mind, and if you're easily offended or unfamiliar with boudoir themes, proceed with caution. This rendition starts with a nursery rhyme setting the tone for the unexpected journey ahead:

"If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise. If you go down in the woods today, you'd better go in disguise..."

The stage is set in a dimly lit room, with Gretel entering as a seductive tease, hinting that this play might not be as innocent as the classic tale. In this 21st-century version, Hansel and Gretel have grown up too quickly. Gretel is the wise one, while Hansel's naivety often gets them into trouble.

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Their modern-day family struggles with the cost of living crisis, and their stepfather, married to a "StepMonster" named Dame Dyer, decides to start an "ONLY PANS" to save them from poverty. Hansel and Gretel are sent into the woods to distribute flyers to gain followers for Dame Dyer's online venture. This interactive segment gets the audience involved, adding a fun yet cringe-worthy element.

As the siblings navigate the woods, they encounter strange objects, people, and even laundry, leading to hilarious accusations of "dogging" instead of jogging. They meet a young, rapping witch who reveals her plan to eat the children, as requested by her followers on a food blog. The presence of a paedophile bear adds a disturbing twist, highlighting the play's boundary-pushing nature.

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Eventually, Hansel and Gretel find the gingerbread house and face the witch, who turns out to be a "sandwich" rather than a straightforward villain. The play also features Froggy, a former finance man turned amphibian by a witch's curse. With up-to-date references to TikTok trends and current affairs, this production is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending humor, horror, and poignant moments.

Do Hansel and Gretel make it out alive? You'll have to watch to find out. Expect laughter, tears, and a truly unique theatrical experience.

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