Review: Rapunzel, Theatre Royal, Bury St Edmunds
Panto has been a festive favourite in the UK since the 18th century. Most of us are familiar with family outings at Christmas to see a fun telling of a traditional fairy story, Cinderella, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk all being staple favourites. There have also been attempts over the years for theatre companies to update the stories, modernise them, or turn them into jukebox musicals. The fact is, while all popular, you can’t beat the traditional versions, and that’s what the Theatre Royal at Bury St Edmunds continues to offer each year.
This time around, they turn their hand to Rapunzel, a story that isn’t told in pantoland as often, but no less a story. Essentially, a young baby (Rapunzel) is seized by the evil Gothel, who locks her away in a tower and uses Rapunzel’s tears to give the villainess eternal youth. The story revolves around her escape and pursuit by Gothel and, hopefully, a happy ever after ending.
If you want boos and hisses, “he’s behind you,” and “oh no, he isn’t” moments, these are aplenty. Everything you would expect from a fabulous panto is here at The Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds.
This production does not require budget-breaking special effects as it’s the performers’ skill that carries the show. It’s always difficult to single out individual performers, and none more so than here, as everyone excels.
There are some great musical numbers and special mention must go to Julie Stark as Gothel, who turns in some true ‘rock chick’ performances that will take your breath away. A duet with Lowri Sara Jones (Rapunzel) is also worthy of note.
Ruby Ablett and Lizzie Buckingham return as Lassie – a talking dog – and Jinx, the evil cat, respectively. Ewan Grant is Sammy the Shepherd, adding some nice comedic touches, and David Moneith is the Mayor. And of course, every panto has to have a dame, and Alasdair Buchan provides not one but two!!! All of the above are supported by some excellent younger dancers and a few sheep!
If you want traditional panto, family-safe humour, and a magical tale, you could do far worse than Rapunzel. Well done, Theatre Royal, it’s a winner…. Oh Yes It Is!!!!
Rapunzel is at Bury St Edmunds’ Theatre Royal until Sunday, 18th January 2026. Book at www.threatreroyal.org
Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
Picture: Dan Cole Media