Rapunzel aims to challenge beauty standards and celebrate female empowerment

Upon entering Theatre Peckham, on a cold and brisk December evening, the warmth exuding this building and the community it champions and supports, was beautifully evident. It was opening night, and mince pies and mulled wine were being enjoyed by friends of Theatre Peckham; past, present and future. 

The Christmas Show for 2023 is Rapunzel Hair We Go Again – an updated version of the classic Grimms Fairy Tale – in this interpretation, the audience were transported to present day Peckham, where most of the action unfolded in the local hairdressers. 

The message of this show was crucially important, and it was lovely to see a Pantomime-esc performance with such a prominent political standing. Rapunzel aimed to challenge beauty standards and celebrate female empowerment. The team worked with hair stylist, Shamara Roper, who ran a series of wig making workshops at the theatre, and these wigs can be seen throughout the show… and they are very impressive indeed! 

This festive tale tracks back through Rapunzel’s life, after she was stolen by an evil stepmother, who noticed the magical powers bestowed upon her hair. Once she had Rapunzel in her grasp, she never let her leave the flat, convincing young Rapunzel that she could never step outside, as her weak immune system could mean that anything outside that could potentially infect her could lead to fatal consequences. And thus… Rapunzel spent her days locked away in their Peckham home. 

The professional cast are supported by a beautifully enthusiastic, sassy and energetic ensemble of young people from Theatre Peckham’s Academy. They stole the show with their infectious energy and their evident love for performing was a joy to behold. 

Jade Leanne Banjamin, who plays Cassie – the evil stepmother – gave a committed performance, and had an impressive singing voice, but maybe seemed a little unsupportive of the younger cast. 

Kellah-M Spring and Scarlet Gabriel, playing best friends Maddy and Rapunzel respectively, fell short of the mark, and despite some good singing from both performers, there was a real lack of dynamic between them, and their performances seemed somewhat under energised. 

The set was a colourful cacophony of pink hues, and the lighting design was very impressive, supplying all the glitz and glam that one desires at a pantomime. 

Overall, Rapunzel at Theatre Peckham, is a committed celebration of individuality, Christmas and community. There was plenty of gumption and joy on display from the youth ensemble, and this, mixed with the important message, made this performance a highly enjoyable evening. I hope that as the show grows over the run up to Christmas that the cast get more comfortable with the material, and Rapunzel will fall into its flow and leave audiences flicking their hair to the beat of their own drum.