Hans Christian Andersen
Directed by Susannah Seaford
NODA REVIEW - HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN
13/01/2023
Author Susanne Crosby
Group: Henfield Theatre Company
Show: Musical: Hans Christian Andersen
Venue: Henfield Hall, Henfield
Date: 13 January 2023
Stage Director: Susanna Seaford
Musical Director: Jane Haines
Choreographer: Hazel Cawte
The 1952 musical: “Hans Christian Andersen” starring Danny Kaye may seem like a long time ago, but for many people it will be a cornerstone of their childhood where the images and music have seeped into our memories as well as our culture. What Henfield Musical Theatre Company have done is succeeded in breathing life into this memory, and recreating these golden images and songs on stage for us in an effective yet beautifully simple way.
The stage was set with very effective props when needed, but the stage is mainly bare: scenes and set dressing coming from brilliant moving projections onto the backdrop. Each scene was accompanied by a matched projection, sometimes the projections moved with the cast on stage while they were walking, and in one scene the backdrop turns 180 degrees so we start as the audience for the show within the show, then the performers turned round at exactly the same time as the backdrop, so we look at their backs as the curtain closes behind them – reminiscent of Phantom of the Opera. It was perfectly executed and very clever. Where people sell their wares they push carts laden with food props which look very effective. Hans Christian Andersen: the storyteller cobbler, had a cart for his “shop” which also worked really well. Coloured lights for different scenes added ambience, there was also low fog in some scenes, and all the transitions were modern without blackouts plus they were seamless, which is truly lovely to see. Full stage space and auditorium space was also used for performers which enveloped everyone. The production team have done a brilliant job and the director Susanna Seaford should be congratulated for her vision.
Graeme Walker as the titular character was barely off the stage and held the whole production with a relaxed ease that made the audience feel safe and comfortable. He also has a lovely tenor singing voice for all the classic songs: “Hans Christian Andersen”, “Thumbelina”, “Inchworm”, “Wonderful Copenhagen” and “The Ugly Duckling”. They were all performed with such heart and warmth, and many of the audience were singing along with smiling faces. Chloe Denyer was very sweet as Madame Doro, walking a fine line between not realising she was leading Hans on and enjoying his attentions. Her singing voice is absolutely beautiful, it was joyous to hear her. Special mention has to go to Rebel Atkinson playing Niels, the arrogant husband of Madame Doro who is quite insecure in private. He added some detail in his acting and facial expressions which added layers to his portrayal which otherwise could have been a two dimensional character: he has great presence. Many of the others in the cast multi roled really well, plus the children in the cast are really super actors: they managed to portray children from a simpler time and place rather than just today’s children. All were costumed brilliantly and with detail; such a pleasure to see men in the proper trousers appropriate to the time.
Special mention has to be made of the orchestra and MD Jane Haines giving a professional quality performance. They were absolutely note perfect and superb throughout, including the accents given to some of the acting movement on stage. It was astonishing top quality from every single musician, an absolute joy to hear live music performed so well for a show where the music is so vitally important. During the show within the show: the ballet of “The Little Mermaid”, two of the young dancers actually performed a proper ballet “en pointe” which was very unexpected and breathtakingly beautiful. These are very young dancers for this level, with a poise and grace, not to mention technique and exquisite feet and framing, that needs recognition for the beauty that it is.
It is clear from this production that Henfield Theatre Company is not only a place for quality theatre people but also a warm and welcoming place which exudes out to the audience. It was a super choice of production and an absolute joy to witness such a charming show produced with such warmth and heart.
Susanne Crosby