Twenty Hans Christian Andersen tales are the honoured guests in Teatret Gruppe 38’s production
Taking twenty Hans Christian Andersen tales and stirring them up into a promenade theatrical experience for anyone over the age of eight, Teatret Gruppe 38 have created an enchanting experience. Hailing from Anderson’s homeland of Denmark, two charismatic waiters lead us into a dinner party celebrating Andersen’s work.
Surrounding a long table we are informed that there are twenty places set for the honoured guests: the works themselves. Heading the table is Mr Hans Christian Andersen – the guest of honour. However, each chair is not occupied by a person. Instead, there are elements of the twenty stories that inspire the show. In front of Andersen’s seat is a plate on which words appear. For ‘The Princess and the Pea’ an outline of a bed is painted on a constantly spinning plate with pea tumbling around. The little matchstick girl has a box of her matches and, sitting in front of The Woman with the Eggs, is a boiled egg.
It all sounds very twee, but in Teatret Gruppe’s hands it is anything but. The space is dark. Lights flicker on and off. Each chair is made of a cold metal and the installations for each story are intricate, off-beat and the antithesis of a Disney movie. There are magical moments during the forty minutes in which the two waiters try to please their guests – a chair starts crying with water pouring from the frame, a napkin disappears into the table, the Emperor shows off his new clothes… As we move around to get a closer look at tiny images projected onto eggs or into suitcases we are led on an adventure of the mind in which anything seems possible.
Elements of Andersen’s morals shine through, and the heartache of many of his stories emerge through the sensitive and never patronising performances of our guides. I wish I knew the stories inside-out, as many of the incredibly detailed ingredients flew right over my head. So it’s inspired me to invest in a complete works, and I urge all to head to the Barbican. Make sure you rub the Snowman’s freezing cold plate – he loves human touch!