Adapted by Tracy Wells, adapted from a story by Washington Irving.
Directed by Kirsteen Stafford
SMART Theatre, Solihull School – Wednesday 14th October 2026
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” was a short story written in 1820 by an American writer called Washington Irving. However, this story, along with probably his most famous work “Rip Van Winkle” and others were written whilst he was visiting family in Birmingham, and I don’t mean the one in Alabama! In fact, I’ve read somewhere that his writing venue was what is now the Custard Factory.
It was of course adapted into a film version by Tim Burton in 1999 starring Johnny Depp and Christina Ricci. The version presented here is a fairly recent adaptation, dating back just to 2025.
It tells the story of a naïve school teacher called Ichabod Crane who arrives in a small town looking for work, along the way falling for the charms of local farmer’s daughter Katrina van Tassel whilst become a target for local bully Brom Bones. Meanwhile, he also gets drawn in to the legend of the Headless Horseman!
This production was presented with the audience around three sides of the stage, allowing for a number of entrances. There was some interesting decoration around the top of the arena, albeit these do not play an active part in the production. They still helped to set the scene.
We started with a largely empty stage area. Furniture and other items were brought on as and when necessary. These changes were very quick and effective and ensured that the plot could move along unhindered.
The moving in and out of the tavern set was very effective in this regard. Unfortunately we did have instances of cast members drinking out of obviously empty cups, which did spoil the effect somewhat.
The costumes were very effective and certainly helped to set the period, most of them would not have been out of place in an episode of “Poldark”. Ichabod’s outfit was an excellent contrast, with his long black coat and feathered hat very much marking him as the outsider.
The headless horseman effects were very simple, yet effective, keeping as much mystery into the character as possible, befitting an element of the plot which is never resolved (nor does it need to be). The final appearance though was certainly a jump out of the seat moment.
Effective lighting was in use throughout, although occasionally a cast member would wander into darkness when delivering a line, albeit this did not happen that often and didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the production.
The cast worked well together and they were certainly well co-ordinated during the dance scene where there is a lot of movement and potential for error.
Unfortunately, there are too many cast members to be able to go through everyone, but all played their part in making this show what it was.
Thomas Baumber led the way in the main role of Ichabod Crane, the teacher from outside town who has to integrate into a new situation and interact with the rest of the characters. Thomas gave a very confident and believable performance in this role.
He especially worked well with Leila Smith as Katrina van Tassel, and the relationship between the two of them was very credible and believable.
Mahira Rehman as Lady van Tassel, Katrina’s mother, was another suitable foil and played well alongside her.
We had an entertaining and what I can only describe as “haughty” performance from Anna Tisdale in the role of the Constable Lady Hendricks, whilst Dan Southall was suitably nasty in his portrayal of Brom Bones.
Other notable performances came from Claire Delaney in the role of Lady Faber and Sara Ashraf as Iris and, I believe I recognised her as the hooded narrator at the start and end of the show – apologies if this was someone else, the hood was doing its job of trying to hide the person within it.
The whole team worked very well together, ensuring that we were entertained in the funny scenes and absorbed with the more dramatic ones. We got well drawn, confident and believable performances from everyone in the cast, regardless of how prominent they were in the show. There was clear enthusiasm and that always help to engage the audience.
This was well-rehearsed and well-drilled team with no weak links. I don’t recall hearing a single prompt throughout the evening which is always a good sign.
Every time I write one of these reviews I keep referencing how much incredible youth talent we have in the West Midlands theatre community and now I have seen a new group which only enhances that believe. I urge everyone involved to keep going – I know from personal experience how rewarding it can be to bring a successful show to its conclusion.
Very well done to everyone involved.
Reviewed by David G.
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