Roses are red

Writer and performer Dianne Simpson's adaptation has the wicked woman reflecting on her life's motivations, from growing up with a strict father to her seduction of the king. When explaining why she chose to banish her stepchild to the forest, we learn that her intentions were actually a lot more compassionate than most of us might think.

Under the accompaniment of musical director Dawid Boverhoff, the production also has Simpson performing a number of modern songs from artists including Tori Amos, Lady Gaga, and Coldplay. And while the narrative does get a bit confusing towards the end, the cabaret effect makes Rose Red an ideal piece of entertainment, from once upon a time all the way to happily ever after.

Rose Red is at Cape Town's Alexander Bar until 15 March. Book at www.alexanderbar.co.za or call +27 (0)21 300 1652.