For the Everyman theatre’s 60^th birthday year, their annual Rock’N’Roll panto is back! This time, it’s Rapunzel’s turn to comb (on) down and find her happily ever after. (A caveat- like with the creative team- I will be inundating you with puns a plenty… because you’re worth it.)

This year, Jude Christian takes the reins of the book with Adam Keast, who by this point should be paying rent, with it being his 22^nd panto at the Everyman- as script consultant. Upon entering the theatre, it’s clear the audience are in for a treat from Janet Bird’s set design. A visual feast of shapes and colours fill the space, and a stunning, hair-like construction of ‘Rapunzel’ takes pride of place above the band (just in case you forgot what you were here to see.)

The plot- without giving any spoilers- has Rapunzel locked in a tower, letting her hair down, whilst two hairdressers who own their respective salons do their best to have Rapunzel’s magical hair for themselves. Set in Liverpool as opposed to the usual Fairy Tale Land, Rapunzel (Ai Kumar) is less a main character, more a scrunchie if you will, just about holding the thin plot together. Kumar- as with the rest of the cast, brings an enthusiasm which is admirable; a stark contrast to the audience in Act 1, which dare I say, looked a bit flat. This is in comparison to Act 2 which is sleeker and has more differentiation through Gillian Tan’s lighting design to enhance the distinction between the ‘goodies and baddies’, giving the audience the panto vibes they came to see.

The cast are all actor-musicians and frequently leave a scene and make their way to the balcony above the stage to pick up one of their many instruments, playing a soundtrack of classics to perfection or to provide harmonies for the next song. *SPOILER (sort of) AHEAD*. This is usually part of the charm of the Everyman, however having one of the characters ‘fall’ from the tower, to still be standing on the balcony, in full costume, and in audience sight is an odd direction- and somewhat confusing for the younger audience members. However, the cast do all they can to ensure the audience leaves with a smile on their face; their adlibbing is hilarious and feels a lot less safe than the written work, where a lot of the jokes are recycled from other sources- though this could almost be forgiven in Pantoland.

Liverpool legend, Michael Starke (Debbie Updo) makes a welcome return to the Everyman stage and brings undeniable charisma which adds the sparkle that the beginning of the show misses. Paired with Keast (Fairy Fixer-Upper), their chemistry is undeniable- trying new material and giving the audience a snapshot of the creative process. Zoe West also returns and their physical comedy as the villain, Danny Ruff, is fully-committed and comical.

Bird is also in charge of costumes which are fab-u-lous. Odes to icons of the past come to life and add both hilarity and style to the production- particularly the nod to Lady Gaga- you have to see it to believe it! Never has ‘Sinbad from Brookie’ looked more glamorous!

In all, if it’s a silly laugh with the family that you’re looking for this festive season, Rapunzel could be just the ticket. And, though it may fall short of standing out as a cut above the rest, after a mulled wine (or two), it might be the perfect excuse to let down your hair!  

Playing at The Everyman Theatre in Liverpool until Saturday 18th January 2025. Further details and booking can be found here.

Photography by Marc Brenner.

Tickets gifted in exchange for an honest review.