THE GRINCH…ISH

Directors: Liz Field and Tracey Riddell

Choreographer: Alice Field

Vocal Assistant: Stef Gibson-Muir

Gaslight Theatre, 29 November-13 December 2025

Take an ancient Greek artform, combine with a Dr Suess story published in 1957, add an enthusiastic cast, and sprinkle liberally with classic one-liners, and you end up with a sparkly Christmas treat, The Grinch…ish.

The modern version of pantomime was created in the late 18^th century in England. Pantomime scripts are based around well-known stories and are fleshed out with music, choreography, and silly jokes. The audience is encouraged to warn the cast when the baddie has appeared on stage, and to shout out catchphrases.

The cast of twenty-four was a mix of new and familiar faces to Gaslight Theatre, the youngest aged eight, all of whom were having a jolly good time in this explosion of colour and humour.  Eleanor Whittaker (Annie), Sarah Drake (Mayor), Stephen Ward (Nora), Shannon Gill (Charlie), and Charlie Nelson (Pinchit), and Dasna Hughes (Spirit) each brought panto magic to their roles. The entire ensemble was well-rehearsed and infectiously energetic.

What about the titular role? Enter stage left, a 2025 arrival from the UK, Owen Parry. He embodied the slinky, gravelly voiced, cackling villain with superb technique. Parry captured the Grinch’s underlying loneliness and hurt and cleverly broke the fourth wall on occasion to adlib with the audience. Parry has starred in and co-written pantomimes in the UK. His previous experience culminated in a performance that proved Parry to be an absolute windfall for the Waikato.

The wardrobe department might have had the most fun of all, pulling costumes from every shade in the rainbow to create an eclectic but decidedly Whoville aesthetic. Some of the Waikato’s best character makeup artists were on hand to deliver fantastical looks. Shoutout to the artist who did Grinch’s makeup on opening night, it was spectacular.

The set transitioned from Whoville to Santa’s workshop, to the Snow Queen’s palace, and more. Scene changes were accompanied by recognisable music, and most of the cast seem involved in at least one change which is an excellent way for younger cast members to appreciate the technical side of theatre.

Directors Liz Field and Tracey Riddell created opportunities for everyone involved to explore an historic artform and work collaboratively as actors, dancers and stage crew. An animated cast, hilarious lines, modern references, and colourful set and costumes contributed to an entertaining show for all ages. The Grinch…ish was quirky, action-filled, and pure pantomime fun.

Tickets