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Hansel and Gretel
Citizens Company
An original twist on the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale. Christmas at the Citizens brings inventive storytelling accompanied by original live music in an intimate theatre where everyone can feel part of the story. Watch Trailer.
Hansel and Gretel are like any brother and sister. Cheeky and mischievous, they squabble with each other all day and live a happy life with their mother and father in the forest.
But their world is turned upside down when a dreadful famine strikes the land and an envious, twisted old witch plots to have their father all to herself. Abandoned in the forest, Hansel and Gretel must stop their quarrelling and work together to defeat the wicked witch - and avoid being cooked for dinner!
Join Hansel and Gretel in a magical family show full of fun and suspense and beautiful songs. A new version by Alan McHugh.
Sponsored by Glasgow Dinearound.
Find out more about our FAMILY WORKSHOP.
You may also be interested in our Studio Christmas show Little Ulla for 3-5s.
Beautiful storytelling and Christmas fun for all the family
- 3 Dec 2011 to 7 Jan 2012
- View all dates and times
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2011-12-03 07:00 PM (P)
2011-12-05 07:00 PM
2011-12-07 10:00 AM
2011-12-07 01:30 PM
2011-12-08 10:00 AM
2011-12-08 01:30 PM
2011-12-09 10:30 AM
2011-12-09 07:00 PM
2011-12-10 12:00 PM
2011-12-10 03:30 PM
2011-12-10 07:00 PM
2011-12-12 10:30 AM
2011-12-13 10:30 AM
2011-12-14 10:30 AM
2011-12-14 07:00 PM
2011-12-15 10:30 AM (A)
2011-12-15 07:00 PM (S)
2011-12-16 10:30 AM
2011-12-16 07:00 PM
2011-12-17 12:00 PM
2011-12-17 03:30 PM
2011-12-17 07:00 PM (A)
2011-12-19 10:30 AM
2011-12-19 07:00 PM (C)
2011-12-20 10:30 AM
2011-12-20 07:00 PM
2011-12-21 10:30 AM
2011-12-21 07:00 PM
2011-12-22 10:30 AM
2011-12-22 07:00 PM
2011-12-23 07:00 PM
2011-12-24 01:00 PM
2011-12-24 05:00 PM
2011-12-26 02:00 PM
2011-12-26 07:00 PM
2011-12-27 02:00 PM
2011-12-27 07:00 PM
2011-12-28 02:00 PM
2011-12-28 07:00 PM
2011-12-29 02:00 PM
2011-12-29 07:00 PM
2011-12-30 02:00 PM
2011-12-30 07:00 PM
2011-12-31 01:00 PM
2011-12-31 05:00 PM
2012-01-02 02:00 PM
2012-01-03 02:00 PM
2012-01-04 02:00 PM
2012-01-04 07:00 PM
2012-01-05 02:00 PM
2012-01-05 07:00 PM
2012-01-06 02:00 PM
2012-01-06 07:00 PM
2012-01-07 02:00 PM
2012-01-07 07:00 PM
Dates
Main Theatre
Prices
Charity Preview 03/12
£10.50 adults | £6.50 children
Standard Prices
£12.50-17.50 adults | £7-10 children
Peak Prices (16-31 Dec)
£13.50-18.50 adults | £8-11 children
Concessions available
Family Tickets
(2 Adults/2 Children)
Standard: £36-£50 | Peak: £40-£55
Schools
£8 (1 free with every 10)
Youth Groups
£8 standard/£9 peak
(1 free with every 10)
SCHOOL BOOKINGS
Use our online ticket request form or Download a booking form below:
Schools’ Booking Form.doc
User Rating ★★★★★
Rated: (5/5), based on 14 ratings
Preview 03.12.11 
Audio Described 15.12.11, 10:30am & 17.12.11, 7pm
Signed 15.12.11 7pm
Captioned 19.12.11, 7pm
Wheelchair Access
Guide Dogs welcome
Induction LoopRecommended for 5+
Cast and Creative Team >
CAST
HANSEL
David Carlyle
VANYA
Jennifer Harraghy
ELSA
Lynn Kennedy
GRETEL
Gemma McElhinney
PETER
Jim Sturgeon
RCS ENSEMBLE
Philip Davide Atkinson
Sarah Kennedy
Cliodhna McCorley
PRODUCTION
DIRECTOR
Guy Hollands
WRITER
Alan McHugh
DESIGNER
Neil Haynes
COMPOSER & MUSICAL SUPERVISOR
Claire McKenzie
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Colin Grenfell
MOVEMENT DIRECTOR
Andrew Panton
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Amanda Gaughan
MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Gavin Whitworth
PRESS
“director Guy Hollands proves, once again, that he has a real talent for capturing the enchanting essence of great fairytales…the epitome of theatrical style”
Daily Telegraph ★★★★
“inventively staged and persuasively acted…the happy ending is no cliché, but a loving hug that embraces us all.”
The Herald ★★★★
“theatrically thrilling…a Christmas show that is entertaining and thoughtful”
The Stage
“when the convincing sense of danger has the young audience scared to breathe – the power of a parent’s protective love still reaches out to defy evil. And it is so glorious, so ultimately reassuring, that waves of spontaneous applause erupted unbidden.”
The Herald ★★★★
“Jennifer Harraghy, who performs the role of the irredeemably evil witch, Vanya, exudes deserved confidence in both her impressive vocal range and her intelligently nuanced acting.”
Daily Telegraph ★★★★
“Both David Carlyle as Hansel and Gemma McElhinney as Gretel have a winning manner that involve the audience - Jennifer Harraghy’s Vanya is a classic villain, while Jim Sturgeon’s father Peter is manly and naive.”
The Stage
“If there was such a place as Pantoland, the Citizens Theatre would be an independent rebel state…Built on artistic integrity and ancient folklore, their Christmas exports are creative and original, denying spurious star turns a visa and attempting to reinvent stories which have fascinated us for centuries. And this fairy story is no different…a refreshing antidote to the traditional pantomime.
WhatsOnStage.com
“Guy Hollands’s production is probably the most coherent, elegant and dramatic Christmas show I’ve seen this year, beautifully designed by Neil Haynes and passionately written by Alan McHugh, with tremendous music by Claire Mackenzie for a four-piece classical ensemble.”
The Scotsman ★★★
“Jennifer Harraghy gives an astonishing performance as the witch, a towering, thrillingly-voiced embodiment of the shape-changing fury, bitterness and spite of the ageing woman unable to attract love.”
The Scotsman ★★★
Comments
Alan Anderson ★★★★★
6th January 2012
1st time visit to the Citz. Always went to the other panto's. Got to admit, all 4 (2 adults and 2 kids) were thoroughly enthralled from start to finish at Hansel and Gretel. Magic Stuff.. See you again soon...
Colin ★★★★★
4th January 2012
Took our grand-daughter (14) to see Hansel and Gretel. Wonderful performance from all the cast and the staging was magnificent. A really wonderful theatrical experience for young and old. Congratulations to all involved.
Sara ★★★★★
31st December 2011
What a show! Simply can not rave enough about the wonderful performances from all members involved! Wonderful story, fantastic music and superb acting! My family and I thought Jennifer Harraghy (Vanya) in particular was just wonderful to watch. And what a voice! Gemma McElhinney (Gretel) and David Carlyle's (Hansel) body language and mannerisms were spot on acting as children! I thoroughly recommend you all go and see Hansel & Gretel!
lynn bradley ★★★★★
31st December 2011
Saw Hansel& Gretel yesterday with my husband and our 5 year old twin daughters. Superb show. Easily the best panto I have ever seen and as longstanding fans of the Citz, my husband & I thought it was true to the standards set by Giles et al. Especially liked the music and thought Vanya was inspired. Congratulations.
Jamie Jack ★★★★★
29th December 2011
I went to see Hansel and Gretel tonight and what a delight! A wonderful production from the vision of director Guy Hollands, designer Neil Haynes and written by Alan McHugh. This was an original story keeping with traditions as well as throwing in elements of love and danger also. For me, Jennifer Harrahy as Vanya (the scheming and evil witch) stole the entire show (very much like Joesphine Warren as Cora in last year's production - Beauty and the Beast). I think the fact that love prevails over all was a powerful message (with strong acting from Gemma McElhinney as Gretel and Jim Sturgeon as Peter). It would be nice to see evil win for once but it was a captivating tale - what will it be next year I wonder? I look forward to next year again!
l.mccreadie ★★★★★
28th December 2011
I was at the show last night 27/12/11 and what a show i saw i was there with my neice of 8yrs and nephew 3yrs who both were as quiet as mice due to being amazed by the show the 3yr old never moved and both children spoke about the show the whole way home.Well worth the money the acting is amazing and very funny
Lynn Mccreadie ★★★★★
28th December 2011
We went yesterday 27/12/11 and what a show my neice of 8yrs and nephew of 3yrs never moved from their seats they loved the show the whole cast are amazing the kids were still talking about the show at home.Money well spent would a great family day out
Gemma Wallace ★★★★★
23rd December 2011
Just been to Hansel&Gretel;, loved it! First time going to a theater, I'd defiantly go back in a blink of an eye. David Carlyle(Hansel) and Gemma McElhinney(Gretel) were truly hilarious, but when Jennifer Harryaghy(Vanya) came onto the stage, I was entertained and I got more tuned in as she sang, spoke and brought drama into the whole thing. Amazing how this is only her 1st professional show, I hope she gets on well! 10/10, 5 stars!
Claire Barr ★★★★★
19th December 2011
This is simply wonderful. The cast are fantastic. My four and five year old were captivated for the full performance (trust me that is a hard job to do). Hansel was adorable. After going to the Citzens Theatre at Christmas, I will never go elsewhere again. I would highly recommend this to everyone, young and old.
Cara Stewart ★★★★★
18th December 2011
We saw this last night and absolutely loved it. Very professional production in terms of the design, direction, set and wonderful performances from all the cast. Excellent songs and musicianship too. An exciting, moving and memorable evening - thank you very much!
Jackie Jagla ★★★★★
18th December 2011
4 adults at Saturday's matinee were enchanted by a wonderful performance; don't miss it!
Helen ★★★★★
15th December 2011
Hi Patricia, Due to the length (2 hours inc interval) and the sometimes scary story, we recommend 5+ for Hansel and Gretel; so yes, Little Ulla would be more appropriate as it was created for 3-5s. It's totally up to individula families to decide, but I think Little Ulla would be a safe option.
Patricia ★★★★★
14th December 2011
Hi, Is the production suitable for a four year old - or would Little Ula be a better choice? Thanks.
Helen ★★★★★
12th December 2011
Hi Ken, it's 2 hours long including the interval.
Ken Graham ★★★★★
9th December 2011
Hi, could you give me an idea of the running time for Hansel and Gretel? we are coming along on 23rd December and are arranging to meet friends after the show and need a rough time to let them know. Thanks.
Meownaise ★★★★★
6th December 2011
best play ever! i have been to others the big ones but this place is way better that them! am 14 and i was laughing the whole time and i love the songs. cant wait till i come back to see it again :D
John MacNamara ★★★★★
3rd December 2011
Just been to see Hansel & Gretel what a Fantastic show the story line was excellent and delivered by a wonderful cast. It was Scary, Funny, and had the kids and adults alike, gripped to their seats. The Witch " Vanya" stole the show for us her acting was a delight and her singing "Out of this World" cant believe this was her 1st professional debut and we look forward to hearing much more of her 2012. Well done Citizens Theatre once again a truly enjoyable evenings entertainment and the Mac Namara family think you have found a a True Star in Jennifer Harraghy.
Helen ★★★★★
29th November 2011
Hi Glynis, "Vanya" is being played by Jennifer Harraghy!
Glynis Wozniak ★★★★★
29th November 2011
Hi there, Can you please let me know who is playing the part of the witch? Thank you.
Leave Your Comments
Ann Mathieson ★★★★★
8th January 2012
Went last night to the final performance of Hansel and Gretal,so glad I went it was fantastic. What a performance from Jennifer Harraghy a star in the making. Jennifer stole the show with her at times funny acting and wonderful singing, look forward to seeing more of Jennifer.