The opening night of Shake & Stir Theatre Co’s GRIMM: Tales from the Brothers Grimm at QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre, part of the Brisbane Festival until 6 October, has delivered a delightfully chaotic romp through the darker corners of fairy tale lore. Adapted by Nelle Lee with Daniel Evans and directed by Evans himself, the production showcases Shake & Stir’s signature brand of irreverent humor and interactive theatre.
From the moment the curtain rises, the audience is thrown into a world where the traditional fairy tales are given a wickedly modern twist. The production is unapologetically crude, pushing boundaries with its raunchy humor and contemporary references. Four talented actors—Aljin Abella, Nelle Lee, Brendan Maclean, and Angie Milliken—take on multiple roles, shifting between fairy tale characters and creating a whirlwind of zany interactions.
Breaking the fourth wall is a hallmark of this production, with frequent audience engagement that enhances the playful chaos. The show incorporates pantomime elements, complete with words projected above the stage for the German translations and a chorus of interactive call-and-response moments. The blend of high-energy antics and audience participation keeps the atmosphere electric and unpredictable.
The visual and auditory design is both striking and inventive. Set Designer Josh McIntosh crafts a dynamic stage that is reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion attractions at Disneyland. Each scene shifts with the ease and spectacle of a theme park ride, immersing the audience in fantastical environments that are as visually captivating as they are thematically rich.
Costume Designer Paul McCann’s costumes are created brilliantly to suit the modern fairytale adventure. Characterised by their white powdered face, red lips, and exaggerated red cheeks, the makeup design brings a vibrant, almost cartoonish quality to the characters. Meanwhile, Guy Webster’s compositions and sound design inject a lively, sometimes eerie soundtrack that complements the production’s whimsical tone.
A standout feature is the marionette puppet of ‘Bambi’, in which Nelle Lee brilliantly puppeteer’s and adds an absurdly charming and calming touch. The ‘Witches Tit Bar,’ where the show takes place is a storytelling den of debauchery, and the wolf’s piano-playing antics further illustrate the show’s commitment to blending the grotesque with the hilarious. The inclusion of modern references and pop culture nods, including a remix of Chappell Roan’s, “Hot to Go!” and a cheeky take on Icona Pop and Charli XCX’s, “I Love It,” showcases Shake & Stir’s ability to infuse traditional tales with contemporary flair.
The production’s choreography by Dan Venz and fight direction by NJ Price ensure that the physical comedy and staged brawls are both meticulously crafted and entertaining. Brendan Maclean’s emcee performance as the wolf brings a cabaret vibe that’s both charming and sinister, while the portrayal of Hansel and Gretel’s lollipop moment and their fate at the hands of the wolf is a darkly humorous highlight.
Grimm is a thrilling blend of interactive theatre and dark comedy, serving as a playful yet edgy celebration of fairy tale absurdity. With its clever modern twists and energetic performances, Shake & Stir once again proves their knack for creating unique theatrical experiences that resonate with both the heart and the funny bone.
TICKETS
Now playing at Cremorne Theatre, QPAC until 6 October
All images by Joel Devereux.
The Fame Reporter 