The Prince and the Pauper Review

The Prince and the Pauper at the New Vic is a festive treat you will not want to miss….

From the moment the play starts the audience is captivated, engrossed and instantly drawn into the Tudor setting in the round.

There’s singing, dancing and gymnastics, and there’s laughter, bright lights and stunning costumes mixed in with the charm of what is a truly magical tale.

When the young Prince Edward, son of Henry VIII, meets pauper Tom, the two share stories of each other’s lives. Each seems equally as envious of each other for very different reasons and after making a brave decision to trade places, they exchange clothes as well as their roles within society.

Tom is instantly thrown into the life of a royal, learning about manners and duties within the palace, and taking in the luxurious surroundings, whilst his doppelganger Edward, is struggling in the outside world where his new relatives aren’t so polite.

What makes the story of the two young boys more magical is that they are played by real life twin sisters Danielle (Edward) and Nichole Bird (Tom) who are simply amazing and true in each of their roles.

As the story unfolds theirs an amusing royal banquet, dancing puppets and turmoil out in the Tudor streets as the real prince tries to fight his way back to his true home.

It’s impossible not to laugh at the super Gareth Cassidy as Mary Tudor – who floats around the stage in an utterly smooth and magical fashion – pure genius – whilst an impeccable cast and energetic ensemble, all combine to make this wonderful adaptation of Mark Twain’s tale superb in more ways than one.

Director Theresa Heskins presents this story superbly, a creation crafted with true ingenious style.

The Prince and the Pauper is for all ages – and one you will not want to miss this Festive season, and it just might be a play you will want to see more than once…

The Prince and the Pauper is at the New Vic until 25 January 2020. For more information click here.