Rapunzel Rocks, Gravesend!

Well, twist-flap and clap-stamp. Rapunzel Rocks! 

I had the pleasure of seeing Wicked Productions latest pantomime venture on April 1st at The Woodville Theatre in Gravesend, Kent. Rapunzel Rocks is based on the story of Rapunzel/Disney’s Tangled; the show features not only subtle nods to the popular film, direct references too! 

Having heard nothing but good things about Wicked Productions and their man-in-charge Tom Swift, I was excited to see a pantomime for the first time since I left college - it’s been at least five years if not longer! Initially, I was unsure about the idea of a pantomime at Easter, having grown up in the UK I feel like we’ve been conditioned to associate pantomime with Christmas time and December festivities, but Tom Swift and company have proven it’s an all year round extravaganza. 

With rock voice Phil Washington as Strider, no-good thief turned handsome heartthrob with eyes for the Princess, the show was guaranteed to be a rockin’ one! 

Ant and Tom, comedy pairing on stage as Joey The Jester and his "slap head" older brother Silly Billy have such a connection you’d think they’d been performing together for years, but as far as I know that’s not the case. Something you can tell simply from watching the performance is that the cast of ten really are fast friends, whether they’ve known each other since childhood or met along the way. 

On stage chemistry ripples through the whole cast which really makes the whole experience; they're having fun and so are the audiences; feeding off the buzz. 

The meta ‘King's Song’ mocks various theatrical habits and the lyrical genius running throughout the show is slightly reminiscent of comedic Monty Python’s Spamalot, perhaps a PG version of Avenue Q. 

Wicked Productions have done it again with a fantastic show that keeps your children completely engrossed from the start to finish as well as making every audience member laugh out loud - no matter their age!

"Do the funky monkey, oh and dance like Cheryl Cole. Twerk like Miley Cyrus and move like Iron Man!" 

Fresh and enthusiastic, each performance feels brand new and uniquely special for the each venue and new audience, even though the cast will be performing up to three shows a day by the end of their run. The run isn't over for a week, so if you're free - it's definitely worth it!! You can check out the details for the remaining shows on their Facebook page, which I'll link below. 

If you’re looking for a true pantomime with modern stylings (which include a hilarious scene with a Segway, but that’s all I’m saying) puppetry, beautiful scenery, and a wonderfully talented rock and roll cast, Rapunzel Rocks is the perfect family-friendly treat this Easter.  

Wicked Productions are putting on The Little Mermaid next Easter, and if it’s even half as good as Rapunzel Rocks, I’d love to see it!
Check them out on their Facebook, have a sneak peek at their clips on Youtube here, or visit their Website!!