Once upon a time takes a deliciously mischievous twist at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre this week – as our fairytale favourites step out of their storybooks and break their reputation as picture-perfect princesses.
Produced by Steve Coates Music Productions, Disenchanted offers a funny and fast-paced peek behind each happily ever after. As ten famous royals trade their tiaras for truth bombs, we witness the cleverly chaotic narrative unfold before us, in all its sharp and sassy glory.
Disenchanted is at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre from Wednesday 22 to Saturday 25 October.
Front and centre, quite literally, was York favourite Katie Melia, who not only directed but also stepped back into the shoes – or should I say chunky boots – of our vivacious Snow White. Melia was the anchor of the piece, steering the story and linking each princess’s tale with impeccable timing and charm. If this were a cabaret, she’d be the ultimate host – always ready to jump in with a quick quip, grin, or perfectly placed punchline.
And she wasn’t doing it alone, as she was accompanied by her two dazzling sidekicks, Alexa Chaplin’s Cinderella and Hannah Shaw’s Sleeping Beauty (sharing the role with Emily Hardy). Chaplin doesn’t need a Prince to be beautifully charming, while Shaw brought her impeccable vocals and chaotic confidence to the role. United, this trio were the heartbeat of the show, pumping each number with undeniable enthusiasm.
The crispness and flow are owed much to Melia’s slick direction and Ilana Lock’s inventive choreography. Despite its static set design, the staging never stood still, with ensemble heavy songs such as ‘All I Wanna Do Is Eat’ and ‘Perfect’ popping with the playfully dynamic movement. The accompaniment, led by musical director Martin Lay, with Rebecca Jackson on bass and Jez Smith on drums, complemented the musical perfectly – spritely and seamlessly keeping up with the constant chaos.
Design-wise, the production was smart and cohesive. Although the set remained unchanged, its castle backdrop acted as a constant reminder of the fairytale territory in which we were willingly held hostage.
The creative touches and design from EPH Creative, Susan Pratt, Jo Street and Phoebe Kilvington brought each princess vividly to life, with standout props and playful costumes. From mermaid tails and cutlery couture to frogs and jellyfish, every detail helped define their complex characters.
Whilst opening night had a few minor hiccups, whether a stray follow-spot or uneven mic levels, these were barely noticeable due to the cast’s unwavering delivery. Their professionalism and confidence are enough to make any fairy godmother proud.
As the evening unfolded, each character took her turn in the spotlight: a lineup of feisty and fabulously flawed women, each with their untold story to share. Hayley Bamford’s Little Mermaid was delightfully regretful and full of spunk, while Amy-Pearl Watt’s bold portrayal as the Princess Who Kissed the Frog provided a stunning act one finale. Don’t get me started on Laura ‘Monobrow’ McKeller as Rapunzel, who once again brought her comedic genius to this larger-than-life role, a firm audience favourite.
And what an audience it was! The room buzzed with laughter and cheers, exactly the reaction a show like this deserves. Disenchanted feels like a mash-up of panto, pop concert and feminist cabaret, complete with a hefty dose of honesty and heart. It’s funny and fearlessly empowering, celebrating women who refuse to be defined by their stories and reminding us that it’s not too late to re-write our own endings.
While it’s not one for younger children, due to its delightfully risqué content, it’s perfect for teens and adults who enjoy bold humour, powerhouse vocals and a message wrapped in sparkle.
Grab your tickets and prepare for a fairytale you’ll never forget – tickets start from £18 and are available via the Joseph Rowntree Theatre website. Disenchanted runs until Saturday 25 October.
