Barbican Theatre and The Wheel are excited to announce the lead actors who will play the Grimm Brothers their alternative Christmas show A Grimm Christmas

A Grimm Christmas is an alternative theatrical experience developed by Barbican Theatre and The Wheel, following the success of their inagural adult only festive show, An Evening With Krampus, in 2018. Coming to Barbican Theatre’s intimate stage from 12 – 23 December, A Grimm Christmas is ‘a spin on the fairytales you thought you knew…. before Hollywood sprinkled sugar on them!’

More than 125 professional actors applied for the roles and after two days of workshop auditions in October, our Grimm Brothers were selected as Greg Shewring and Henry Regan.

Greg Shewring trained at Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (where he was awarded the Lucian Vienna Award for Voice In Acting) and has worked on stage and screen. Recent stage performances include Wardrobe Ensemble’s Education, Education, Education, Cardboard Citizens’ Rising and GB Theatre’s UK tour of Romeo & Juliet. Greg, who also plays guitar and has experience in contemporary dance, details why he wanted to be a part of A Grimm Christmas

 “I’m really excited to be working with the Barbican and The Wheel; I’ve always admired their ethos around connecting local communities and the importance of bringing people together from all walks of life. The Barbican always feels like a hub of opportunity for young, hidden and up-and-coming theatre professionals and it’s going to be great being part of that energy. I’m really interested in the idea of a non-conventional Christmas story and exploring the less beaten path of traditional folk-lore as a festive theme. I’m looking forward to working on a show that has the potential to be a little bit naughty and controversial but with enough content and meaning to make the theatrical experience relevant and enjoyable for everyone.”

Henry Regan trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and has performed professionally across the UK and Europe. Recent performances include Bill Kenwright’s national tour of Blood Brothers, Theatrical Niche’s A Doll’s House and Vertical Line Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Henry, who also is a trained dancer and plays the piano and ukulele, tells us what attracted him to A Grimm Christmas

“I’m really looking forward to starting work on A Grimm Christmas, especially with the collaborative aspect of what the team are trying to achieve, using everyone’s skills to create a show that really brings the Grimm Brothers back to life. What’s so refreshing about The Wheel and Barbican’s approach is that they’re looking for people to jump in and say “I’ll try that”, which is the best rehearsal room to be in. Their idea behind the show is also quite intriguing; what will audiences’ reactions be when they find out their favourite Disney character might have come from something quite barbaric?!”

 Barbican Theatre and The Wheel are committed to the support and development of emerging artists so as well as featuring professional actors, A Grimm Christmas will also include emerging actors from Barbican Theatre’s COMPANY b Theatre and The Wheel Training Company, who will fulfil the supporting roles.

Barbican Theatre’s Creative Producer, Dan Baker says

“We are incredibly proud to be working with The Wheel for a second consecutive Christmas, and to be able to bring together such fantastic company. Both companies share a passion for nurturing talent, and giving opportunities to local artists – we’re excited to be able to see this talented ensemble perform A Grimm Christmas” 

A Grimm Christmas will be directed by Kevin Johnson who has toured productions both nationally and internationally.

Kevin has worked in the region for over ten years as an actor and theatre director. His most recent productions of An Evening With Krampus, The Trial, A Clockwork Orange, and The Caucasian Chalk Circle, all ended their national tours on the Barbican Theatre stage. This year he has worked as Movement Director for British Youth Music Theatre’s production of Fight Like A Girl and directed a new play called ‘Cracking’ which is currently touring the South West.

Kevin says

“I’m thrilled The Wheel is working in co-production with the Barbican once again this year. After ‘An Evening with Krampus’ was so well received, we couldn’t wait to start working on a new alternative Christmas show for this year. We’re thinking of creating something a little darker this year, and I’m excited to get into the rehearsal room. We will be exploring, slapstick comedy, double acts, music, suspense and elements of horror as we devise this piece with our actors. Our Grimm Brothers want to retell their stories how they were originally intended and rebel against the commercialisation of them year on year; uncensored with all the menace and gore to thrill and delight us on A Grimm Christmas night.”

Associate Director, Amanda Collins has taken work internationally in France, Poland, Greece and Romania. She recently directed Julius Caesar, which appeared on the Barbican Theatre stage in 2018and co-ordinated The Wheel’s Septemberfest showcasing emerging artists from the region at Barbican Theatre. Amanda is also an Associate Lecturer at Falmouth University.

Amanda says

 “After meeting so many wonderful actors at the auditions, we were thrilled to offer the roles of the Grimm Brothers to Greg and Henry, they are both fantastic actor/musicians. In keeping with The Wheel’s ethos of integrating training within our professional work, Greg and Henry will be supported by some brilliant regional emerging actors that are either soon to enter or currently in training.”

Audiences can make a night of it by joining us in the intimate and relaxed B-Bar beforehand for the best Thai food in town and a great selection of drinks, including an extensive cocktail list!

Tickets for A Grimm Christmas are priced at £15 (inclusive of all booking fees) Performances are for ages 16+ and run from 12 – 14 December at 8pm (plus 5pm Saturday 14 December) and from 17 – 23 December at 8pm (plus 5pm Saturday 21 December). Book 24 hours a day at www.barbicantheatre.co.uk, or by calling our Box Office on 01752 267131 (11am – 4pm Monday to Friday).

 Watch the trailer