Get swept up in adventure and silliness

Let down your hair for a wild, musical retelling of Rapunzel at Tobacco Factory Theatres this Christmas. NATALIE BANYARD caught up with the theatre's artistic director, Heidi Vaughan, and the show's director, Tom Brennan, to find out more...

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Rehearsals

(Photo: Camilla Adams)

CHRISTMAS at Tobacco Factory Theatres (TFT) is a magical affair. The venue's festive offerings are always full of warmth, wit, and wonder and this year's production is keeping up with that tradition.

Rapunzel: A Hairytale, a spellbinding and inventively playful take on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairytale, promises to enchant audiences young and old at the Southville theatre from November 27 to January 17.

"Rapunzel has been an absolute joy so far," says TFT's artistic director Heidi Vaughan when I catch up with her during rehearsals. "The rehearsal room is full of laughter, instruments, a whole lot of hair, and that buzzing sense that we're making something truly special for families. There's such warmth and playfulness in this story, and watching the cast dive in with both mischief and heart has been brilliant.

"Expect something familiar - and totally fresh. We've taken the classic story and gently rebuilt it into a tale about friendship, bravery and finding your place in the world."

In a secluded tower deep within the forest, Rapunzel charts stars and planets and dreams of a world beyond her walls. When an unexpected visitor climbs through her window and into her strange little world, he brings colour, chaos, and the thrill of the unknown.

Soon, Rapunzel must make a choice between keeping herself safe, or finally exploring her freedom.

Written By Sharon Clark, this mischievous, magical and marvellously hairy festive adventure features rich acoustic music, playful storytelling, captivating characters, wonderfully wild invention, and a talented, bighearted ensemble.

At the helm of Rapunzel: A Hairytale is Bristol born-and-bred theatre-maker, Tom Brennan, who directs the show.