The Sorcerer’s Apprentice -Review- Northern Stage

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

Northern Stage

Looking for something a bit different this Christmas? Oh yes you are! (see what I did there!) then head over to Northern Stage to see ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’.

Refreshingly different to the usual panto visits, this new adaptation of this old tale is quite simply a christmassy gem! From the colourfully clever sets, larger than life characters & the fact that the audience sit on three sides of the stage giving a truly immersive feel, this performance has audiences of all ages entranced.

Following the adventures of our protagonist ‘Hattie Rabbit’ (endearingly played by Beth Crame) we watch as the story unfolds as to why our heroine finds herself precariously sitting on a crate containing the villain of the piece ‘Canopus Sky’ ( masterfully delivered by the wonderful Jessica Johnson).

The Sorcerers Apprentice is magical yet quite relatable as a small girl sets out on her quest to ‘be someone!’ (although as our Hattie was the thirteenth child in her family & born on Christmas day, she was always going to be rather special you would expect).

Set in Newcastle, there is a lovely scene as Hattie makes her way through a familiar ‘Grainger Market’ but when encouraged to look beneath the surface by the sorcerer himself ‘Hopkins Hopkins’( wonderfully played by Nick Figgis with just the right amount of humour and pathos) she sees the rather intriguing world of the ‘Stranger Market’ and the  characters who work there.

So ensues an age old battle of good versus evil with a determined Hattie trying not to let the  ‘magic’ slip away into the evil clutches of Canopus Sky. Bravely taking on the role of apprentice to Hopkins Hopkins, Hattie meets an array of wonderful characters along the way in the form of a very talented versatile cast. 

Taking on multiple roles Alice Blundell, Talia Nyathi, Heather Dutton and Patrick Munday shine as Hattie’s Mum, friends, doctors & folk of the ‘stranger Market’ , with Patrick Munday also becoming the skilful puppeteer of Hattie’s bestie ‘Rat’. I would like to give a special mention to Heather Dutton who also portrayed the rather nasty Aunt Primula Fudge (what a name! and my favourite character) whose obsession with the pursuit of fame & taking of selfies was so funny! Add into the mix original songs & magic tricks and we have a real Christmas cracker of a performance!

At Northern Stage until December 31st. I would highly recommend putting a bit of sparkle into your festivities with this show. 

Alison Stanley