Review by Will Sanderson-Thwaite Rapunzel by Kneehigh Theatre at Circomedia, Bristol.

RAPUNZEL is a story that is familiar, although when you think about it, not that familiar at all. So as I journeyed to see Kneehigh Theatre company's vibrant and gorgeous take on the classic fairy tale, all that I could definitely vouch for with any real certainty was a follically fruitful girl up a tower.

Paulo and Patrizio, sons of the duke of Tuscany, have reached manhood and are to find out who shall inherit their father's job when he is gone. Paulo is highly educated, athletic and power hungry. Patrizio is gentle, selfless and musical and is chosen by his parent for the task.

Later that day Patrizio, inspired by the nature around him, sings a song in celebration. Enraged by his brother's love of the world and its seeming love for him, Paulo attacks Patrizio and drives him deep into the forest. Enticed by a haunting melody Patrizio finds himself at the foot of Rapunzel's tower. After some rather painful hair climbing the pair fall in love, to the dismay of Rapunzel's very overprotective mother: the one who put her up that tower in the first place.. .

Kneehigh effortlessly managed to hold the attention of its wide ranging audience throughout with their inventive use of puppetry, exotic and enticing music, hilarious breaking of the theatre's fourth wall' and of course a wild boar poo all playing their part.

The cast were also the musicians and the stage crew; and this un-patronising naked simplicity of the production included the audience in a way that big proscenium arch super productions can never deliver.

Funny but never panto; sentimental but never soppy; and scary but never too scary - as I left the theatre there was a glow of genuine joy across all ages' faces.