We’ve got a treat that’s sweeter than the house made from candy and cake which tempted Hansel and Gretel in the first place; pictures from the upcoming show’s rehearsal room by Johan Persson.
Based on the Grimm Brother’s well-known fairytale about two children lured into a witch’s house in the forest, this production has a unique twist to it. It’ll be Engelbert Humperdinck’s operatic version, sung in English.
For the second time, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and English National Opera are combining forces and creating this unique production together.
There will be two alternating casts, which will include seven lead performers, an ensemble of 30, and an orchestra of 19, plus conductor. The lead role of Hansel and Gretel are played by Rachel Kelly and Heather Lowe as Hansel, and Susanna Hurrell and Elizabeth Karani as Gretel.
Mother is played by Rosie Aldridge and Gweneth Ann Rand, and Father by Duncan Rock and Ben McAteer. Alasdair Elliott and John Findon share the role of the Witch. Gillian Keith takes the role of the Sandman at all performances, with He Wu as the Dew Fairy.
The large number of people working on this single show makes it the Open Air Theatre’s largest company.
Hansel And Gretel opens at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre on Monday 14 June. Tickets available now.