Many people will be familiar with the Grimm fairystories. Whether this is through the original stories (published in 1812 by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm), the woeful Disney interpretations, Terry Gilliam’s underrated movie, or even the (very) loosely based Grimm television series. Perhaps conscious that the tales had slipped a little from their original meaning (to scare and to act as morality tales), writer Philip Pullman embarked on a quest to re-present the stories. Pullman is perhaps best known for the fantasy trilogy His Dark Materials and the book that was made into the movie The Golden Compass.
Pullman’s work on the Grimm fairy stories began in 2012 when Penguin Classics asked the author to curate 50 of Grimms’ classic fairytales, from their compendium of over 200 stories. For each tale, he re-imagined the story.
The books sold well and this led to the genesis of an idea that morphed into the current theater production: Grimm Tales. Working with director Philip Wilson, Pullman took six of the Grimm stories and created a production. Not an ordinary production however.
Each story is set in a different room and is performed by a group of actors. The stories are delivered part in narration and part by acting out the tales. Each of the rooms is decorated in Gothic-style splendor.
Aside from the well-known tale of Hansel & Gretel, the other stories are among the less well known from the Grimm’s original set. This reviewer’s favorite play was one titled The Three Little Men in the Woods. This was a simple, albeit slightly psychotic morality tale, where two stepsisters treat three small men with drastically differing levels of politeness. This results in different fates befalling them (the age old fairy story difference of falling in love or meeting a horrible death.) The next best were stories called The Frog King and Faithful Johannes.
The different tales last for around 20 minutes each, after which time the audience are led up or down stairs, across corridors and into a new, dimly lit room.
Mid-way there is an interval, where drinks can be purchased and food eaten, including two types of tasty pie (wild boar or cheese.) Nearby a various interesting objects, including a spinning wheel that might just be Rumpelstiltskin’s.
At the end of the production, the audience are encourage to walk around the facility and look and the intricately arranged items that add depth to the various tales, from clocks, to beds; mirrors to lamps. It is here the the venue — a former warehouse for holding items to be shipped down The Thames by barge — The Bargehouse, can be seen in its original magnificence. The dark, brick lined interiors and sawdust sprinkled floor added to the magic of the experience.
Grimm Tales is a very unusual, and very entertaining production. Worth catching if you are visiting London. Digital Journal rating 5 out of 5.
