Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

Cast: Emma Bispham, Ben Boskovic, Adam Keast, Ai Kumar, Rebecca Levy, Alice Merivale, Tomi Ogbaro, Adam Scott Pringle, Michael Starke, Dylan Townley, Zoe West.

It is no hair-lucination, the style and delivery will cause a wave of laughter for all ages, and with the deadly Danny Ruff on the prowl to corner the hairdressing market, the buzz of the razor’s edge as it cuts through the dastardly machinations is only enhanced by the terrific sound of laughter that fills to the trim of the Everyman Theatre as the city’s audience are once more treated to the Rock ‘N’ Roll Panto, and as the Francesca Goodridge directed and the Jude Christian written Rapunzel brings families together no perm is left untouched and no pun safe from being teased out.

The deceitful and scheming Danny Ruff, played by Zoe West, has swindled and cheated the effervescent Debbie Updo from her child, and now looks to take over her business and monopolise the market with the aid of one secret weapon, the long and everlasting hair of Rapunzel.

In true style that befits the annual gift to the city and those to whom Pantomime is the one time of year when the family can rejoice as one in an activity that tugs at the heart strings and sings with unrepentant happiness as the fun and games are given lift by the music and the action, Rapunzel unlocks the secrets of the season with gorgeous interpretation and passionate performances, not least from the stalwart of the Everyman Theatre Rock ‘N’ Roll Panto, Adam Keast, and the inclusion of one of Liverpool’s fantastic examples of the craft in Michael Starke.

The interaction between their characters, Fairy Fixer-Upper and Debbie Updo fills the air, and when added to the overall charm of the entire cast, including a terrific air of comedic execution by Ben Boskovic as Prince Timotei, Rapunzel is the hit for the family that everybody needs at the time of year. Great music, a salon full of laughs, and a feeling that gives you the lift for the season ahead.

Ian D. Hall