Theatre Royal’s Rapunzel arrives with all the ingredients of a classic family pantomime, but what makes this production stand out is its generosity of spirit. From the moment the curtain rises, it’s clear the creative team is focused on giving audiences a warm, spirited show that feels handcrafted rather than corporate.
The design is instantly charming: bright colours, bold shapes and a storybook feel that makes even the simplest scene look magical. Rapunzel’s tower is especially effective — cosy and slightly whimsical, suggesting both safety and confinement without needing elaborate mechanics. The clever use of hair (inevitably!) becomes a running visual motif.
The cast throw themselves into the show with infectious energy. Lowri Jones who plays Rapunzel brings an appealing mix of sincerity and spark; her scenes avoid the overly sweet sentiment that some pantos fall into. She plays Rapunzel as curious, good-humoured and quietly determined.
The comic roles are a highlight, the Dame Rusty McBusty played by Alastair Buchan keeps the audience firmly on their toes with sharp ad-libs and well-pitched physical comedy, while the comic sidekick manages to balance chaos with charm. Their double-acts land consistently, helped by the audience’s enthusiastic participation. This production clearly understands that when children feel included, the whole room lifts.
The wicked witch, Gothel, played by Julie Stark, locked Rapunzel in the tower, using her tears to keep her youthful looks. While gleefully theatrical and had her fair share of boo’s. The performance is fun and appropriately over-the-top.
We also had a cat called Jinx played by Lizzie Buckingham, a dog called Lassie played by Ruby Ablett both showed the characteristics of the animals.
Sammy the Shepherd (Ewan Grant) and his adorable sheep, played by the young chorus added some comedy to the show.
There are obviously the panto essentials, audience participation, baking a panto must, who doesn’t love making a cake, what could go wrong?
Musically, the production is lively and confidently delivered with songs that the audience would recognise & sing-a-long with. The choreography is accessible for the younger ensemble performers yet still dynamic enough to keep the stage alive.
Where the show shines most is pacing. The action moves swiftly, jokes land cleanly and there’s never a sense of the production stretching for time, a common pitfall in family theatre. Children remain engaged throughout, and adults get enough winks and wordplay to feel looked after too.
In the end, Rapunzel is everything a Theatre Royal Pantomime should be with its boo’s, cheers, it’s behind you and it was colourful, big-hearted and made with genuine care. It may not reinvent the pantomime form, but it fully embraces what audiences come for — laughter, warmth and a bit of holiday magic.
A bright, cheerful pantomime that sends families home smiling.
Photo credit tomsoperphotography
