It’s nearly Easter, and at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage that means one thing: a new family musical. This year, it’s a fresh take on classic fairy tale Rapunzel, featuring original songs and brand new characters created by Catherine Lomax, Phil Dennis and Khiley Williams – and it’s proved so popular that extra dates have already been added for later in the year.

“Rapunzel was one of my favourite stories when I was a little girl, so following the success of last year’s Easter Musical, Alice in Wonderland, we knew we wanted to select another literary classic or fairy tale, and Rapunzel instantly came to mind,” says Catherine, who’s also directing the show.

“Everyone knows the basic story of Rapunzel but Phil, Khiley and myself loved the idea that we would have freedom to create a whole host of characters to develop the story. We all read as many different versions of the fairy tale as we possibly could and then discussed what we loved the most; we were really keen on creating a production that appealed to children but also entertained parents and adults, and I don’t doubt that’s what we have created. The story may be a classic fairy tale, but we’ve created characters with lots of one liners for the parents so that they can enjoy their trip to the theatre just as much as their children!”

The show tells the story of Sophia and Karl, who are desperate for a child of their own. “One night Karl breaks into Gothel’s garden looking for a herb that will help his wife fall pregnant,” explains Catherine. “Gothel discovers Karl and agrees to help him but on one condition – Gothel must be given the child when she turns sixteen years old! Desperate Karl agrees to the demand and so on his daughter’s sixteenth birthday, when Gothel arrives to stake her claim, Karl and Sophia are powerless to defeat her.

“Two years pass with Rapunzel locked away in a tower, with only a bird, Viktor, for company. Despite using her imagination to create adventures in her head, Rapunzel longs to be outside having adventures of her own. Fortunately Prince Freddie overhears her singing and discovers her trapped in her tower, but can he –  and true love – save the day?”

Catherine’s loved joining forces with Phil Dennis and Khiley Williams again: “We’ve all worked together as creative teams on various musicals and pantos over the last five years. It’s quite a privilege to work with your best friends and create something you are truly proud of.”

She’s also more than a little excited to be working with the show’s recently announced cast. “Samantha Noel will be playing Rapunzel; she has a fantastic voice and a real warmth and friendliness that definitely comes across on stage. She is the perfect Rapunzel and we all fell in love with her at the audition. Craig Armstrong and Cameron Leigh are two of the most versatile performers who have both worked at the GCT before, they’re back for Rapunzel and I don’t doubt that their larger than life characters will make this show sensational!”

Catherine’s been resident director and producer at the Gordon Craig for seven years, having moved into the role after running her own touring production company. “I think the Gordon Craig is unbelievably special because of the people who work here. Our backstage crew are fantastic, they will explore every option possible to make sure all of our shows are the very best they can be. The FOH teams, Box Office, Marketing department and all of the teams really get behind all our projects.

“And we’re only 20 minutes from Kings Cross, which does mean audiences can just as easily travel to shows in the West End – but it also means we get some fabulous stars who discover the Gordon Craig is really commutable.”

The Easter run of Rapunzel at the Gordon Craig Theatre has already sold out, but tickets are now on sale for additional dates 27th-30th July. Get them while you can…