The legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which dates back to the Middle Ages, has been upended in glorious fashion in the stunning new work Piper.
For those not familiar, the original story concerns a flautist who arrives in the town of Hamelin in Lower Saxony, Germany in 1284 dressed in multicoloured clothing.
Hamelin is suffering from a rat infestation and the piper, claiming to be a rat catcher, makes a deal with the Mayor to rid the area of the vile creatures.
The tale takes off from there.
In the case of Frenzy Theatre Co, the rats are in control (there is a rat council) and they are trying to protect their patch.
Mind you, that isn’t easy and there are several attempts to douse spot fires that become infernos.
Citizens are being silenced.
Think about all that is great in theatre – being transported to another world through wordplay, song, sound, dance and acrobatics. Now you have some idea of what Piper offers.
This is a gothic reimaging of the Pied Piper of Hamelin featuring an ensemble of female and non-binary performers, circus artists and instrumentalists. There was 23 the night I attended.
Coarse language is par for the course, as are sexual references, loud noises and flashing lights.
Scenes transition quickly and seamlessly.
The entertainment begins before you enter the theatre (get there at least 15 minutes early).
When you do, you are greeted by a wigged rat councillor and encouraged to participate in a Hamelin City scavenger hunt.
A dozen booths have been set up containing a series of oddities – colourful and bizarre all, but totally delightful.
In the midst of them are artistes dressed as rats – with long tails and round ears – helping to set the mood.
The show is a collection of the weird and the wacky. A large video screen at the back of the stage displays imagery as the discombobulated tale unfolds.
There is so much happening, it is difficult to take it all in. Suffice to say it is a sensory and highly creative offering.
The performances are terrific, the music appealing and the costuming eye-catching.
As to the piece de resistance, not content with just dismembering the Pied Piper story, these scallywags introduce Cinderella.
I walked out highly energised, wanting to go back for a second visit.
Created by Belle Hansen and Dora Abraham and directed by the former, Piper has originality stamped all over it.
It is bold and brilliant and playing at Theatre Works until 24th August, 2024.
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