Disenchanted ★★★★ West End Musical Productions (online) | Apr 9-11, 2021


Dennis T. Giacino's Disenchanted is a very amusing piece which looks more deeply into the backstories of the princesses in Disney movies. Even if one is unfamiliar with the films, the points were made well enough to keep us entertained as we found not everyone lived happily ever after – or even before. The show is led by Snow White, played to the hilt by Jodie Steele, alongside Cinderella (Sophie Isaacs) and Allie Daniel as a narcoleptic Sleeping Beauty. Wittily directed by Tom Jackson Greaves, with brightly coloured backgrounds and costumes, no less than ten princesses, all with terrific voices and excellent comic timing, have their moment in the spotlight. We learn how most of their characters are destined to be also-rans. A very funny number, “Big Tits,” revolves around the desires of 'the guys making films with their flies.' The worst treatment by the studio is reserved for Pocahontas, a real-life teenage princess, who is portrayed on screen as an oversexed tease. More satire is to be had with a Wagnerian Rapunzel who bemoans the fact that, being German, she earns 'not one red cent' after being 'sold on' by Disney. Focusing on the racism rife in the studios, we also hear that it apparently took a lot of persuasion to have the princess who kissed the frog darker than a Caucasian. By exposing these absurdities this ingenious little show hopes that you won't ever be able to hear the old line “And They Lived Happily Ever After” in the same way again.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by D.S.J.

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