Uproarious fairytale is perfect alternative to panto

Little Red Riding Hood, Sherman Theatre, Cardiff

ARMED with a basket full of Curly Wurlies, Percy Pigs and a bag of Hula Hoops, Little Red Riding Hood must walk through the scary woods to deliver it to her Granny’s house before darkness falls, but first she must fend off the hungry wolf. This interpretation of the iconic Brothers Grimm fairytale is this year’s Christmas show for children aged three to six at the Sherman.

They say you’re never too young to go to the theatre, but as a parent of a just-turned three-year-old, I know that’s not always the truth. Having had a hit and a miss with book adaptations in the past year, it can be a little worrisome which way it’s going to pan out. One big bonus of this performance is that it takes place in the theatre’s studio, the children sitting at the front on mats covered in animal footprints, so not only can they see everything but are fully immersed in the action and can look the big, bad wolf in the eyes. And I needn’t have worried – the young audience, my daughter included, were enraptured for the 50-minute two-woman performance.

Llinos Daniel (a familiar face if you watch Pobol y Cwm or Torchwood) was brilliant, if not quite old enough to be playing the adventurous, scooter-driving Nan, and shone as the animated, canine villain who covers Granny in ketchup.

But my daughter’s favourite was Leah Gaffey as Heti, or “Red”, a bag of nerves who, armed with her magical red cloak, goes on an adventure to overcome her fear of new encounters while staying with Nan on her own for the first time.

Within the simple woodland set of wicker arches, illuminated by twinkly lights, there were songs, the harp, a cameo from a singing squirrel called Philip and a great twist which I won’t spoil.

It was a perfect introduction to theatre, while being a great alternative to panto.

Performances of Little Red Riding Hood/Yr Hugan Fach Goch in both English and Welsh are at Sherman Theatre, Cardiff, until December 29. Tickets are £9 from 029 2064 6900.

Chiara Rinaldi