PRODUCTION IMAGES BY JOHAN PERSSON
The story
Princess Rose (Scottish speaking Rosie Graham) is a sleepless baby (all mother can relate to this). Her mum, Queen Regina, is so exhausted that she does not think twice and calls Low Fairy (played by Irish singer Lisa Lambe) for the job, who feels lonely in the wood as her fellow fairies have wings and fly high. So longing for someone to bless, when she is summoned to the palace to help the princess sleep, she is very happy. However, her dream turns into a nightmare and her blessing becomes a curse. Soon, she is plunged into a frantic, hundred-year quest to somehow make everything right.
The trailer
The verdict
You might think that’s a long run-time for families with young children but I’d dare say that it isn’t. Hex has never dull moments. In fact, there are lots of engaging humorous moments: for instance, when Rose appears as an adult in the cradle; when half-ogress half-human Queenie, played by the super-talented Victoria Hamilton-Barritt, demands humans to eat even if she has to sacrifice her grandchildren.
Prince Burt (Michael Elcock) has lots of hilarious and ironic gags, too.
There are a few dark moments, all connected with Queenie and her cannibalism, but they don’t escalate so the play is safe for children to watch in its entirety.
The illuminated Disney-style palace hanging from the ceiling turns out to serve both the purpose of being the castle from the distance but also Sleeping Beauty’s bed.
The original music is very good, although there is not a song that stands out and is memorable. Highlights include songs such as The One, I Know What I Am and Above It All.
The theatrical effects are breath-taking: ostrich feathers in abundance, dry ice, fairy’s aerial work, and glow in the dark optical illusions give the stage of the National Theatre a Cinematic choreography look and feel. They are beautiful because they are not overwhelming.
Irish singer Lisa Lambe plays the Low Fairy looking more like a Celtic goblin than a traditional fairy. Her voice is lovely and magical at times. The songs are very emotive.
London Mums’ rating: 10/10
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