The stories of the Brother's Grimm are world renowned and loved by generations. Children adore them for the goodies and baddies and the (sometimes) happy endings. Adults may be curious about the dark side and flick through their Bettelheim or Tatar for a Grimm analysis. Stories which can appeal to adults and children on different levels offer something for everyone. This show seems to be an attempt to do just that, whilst actually doing neither.
After the death of their father, Wil and Jacob Grimm are working in the local library to feed their family, which also gives them the time and money to work on their collection of fairy tales. Jacob is settled with a wife and family but Wil is restless and wants to see the world. Enter, stage right, Rapunzel. From here on, the two brothers become caught up in their character's stories, helping each to find true love or their place in the world - a mirror of their own lives. It's a nice idea, but unfortunately it is executed badly.
Wil and Jacob are completely two dimensional, just like their storybook characters. The audience learns nothing about their lives, other than a schematic outline mentioned above. Although we are introduced to the Frog Prince, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and various hangers on, we don't get caught up in their stories because there's no magic nor even any darkness. Indeed, there's a lot of shouting but no emotion, a lot of stomping about but no ogre, a lot of kissing but no passion. Infact, there's just too much missing to make it any good.
The stage is nicely decorated with some fairy lights and hand-stitched leaves and there's a very funny joke at the end. Other than that, the script needs overhauled, the cast of seven cut down and the acting improved. All in all, a very long 45 minutes, much longer than ever after.
