Engelbert Humperdinck’s timeless fairytale opera is a setting of the Brothers Grimm’s story of child neglect, sugar addiction and cannibalism (just kidding!). It’s also a bagful of good tunes. Elijah Moshinsky’s classic production is presented here in a lively English translation. Margaret Plummer and Stacey Alleaume play the resourceful kids sent into the forest by their mean-hearted mother, with Jane Ede as the gingerbread-loving, child-gobbling witch. Tahu Matheson conducts this magical score.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Nibble, nibble, little mouse, who’s that nibbling at my house? I’ll lure them in with sweets to eat, a child is a witch’s favourite treat!
Deep in the dark woods, Hansel and Gretel are hungry and looking for home. Just when it all seems hopeless, they stumble upon a spun-sugar house and an eccentric woman, who’s not as sweet as she seems. Will the plucky siblings outwit the wicked witch?

This whimsical production is a classic from acclaimed director Elijah Moshinsky, with plenty of humour and heart to balance the dark undertones of the Grimms’ fairytale. Familiar characters roam a surreal storybook world, with larger-than-life sets and costumes by Mark Thompson. An all-star Australian cast features Margaret Plummer and Stacey Alleaume as the clever kids. Jane Ede is a delight in the role of the witch with Helen Sherman and Andrew Moran as the youngsters’ parents.