Watch Revolting Rhymes

Revolting Rhymes is a British TV show made in 2016 by BBC One, which is now available to watch on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime. The show, directed by Jan Lachauer and Jakob Schuh, brings to life the fantastic, albeit twisted, world of Roald Dahl through five of his best-known fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk.

The plot revolves around the clever retelling of these classic stories, in which the familiar plotlines are subverted and surprising plot twists are introduced, creating a darker and more mature interpretation of the original fairy tales. The stories are narrated by an unexpected and whimsical character, namely the Big Bad Wolf (voiced by Rob Brydon). The Wolf tells the fairy tales to a fellow prisoner of the Three Pigs (voiced by Bertie Carvel), with both characters being incarcerated in a maximum-security prison.

Each episode of Revolting Rhymes goes in-depth into the world of each story, fully immersing viewers into a new and unique environment. In the first episode, viewers are transported to rural England during the Victorian era, where Little Red Riding Hood (voiced by Gemma Chan) goes to visit her Grandmother, but what happens on her journey is anything but traditional. In the second episode, Snow White's world is starkly contrasted with the world of 1930s Hollywood, giving an extra dimension to the story.

Given that the show is based on Roald Dahl's works, it's no surprise that the show's writers have managed to capture the feel of Dahl's storytelling perfectly. It has the fantasy elements and a playful tone that parents and children alike can enjoy. However, it's not for young children as some of the themes may be too mature for them.

Moreover, the animation is fluid, engaging and well-executed to give viewers a retro style, which makes the show more appealing. The settings have been meticulously created with lots of love and care, and the voice actors expertly capture the characters' mischievous personalities as the viewer becomes fully immersed in the stories.

The show is also blessed with impressive voice performances from Rob Brydon, Bertie Carvel, Gemma Chan, and Rose Leslie, who all bring their own unique style to the characters they portray, giving them distinct personalities that are memorable and engaging for the viewer.

In conclusion, Revolting Rhymes is a fantastic show, and a great way to experience Roald Dahl's piercing storytelling with a fresh and modern twist. The five tales offer an exploration of Dahl’s less popular stories, and are perfect for those who are looking for a twist on something that is as classic as fairy tales. Despite the more mature themes, it can be enjoyed by families, making it a unique viewing experience that the whole family can get involved in.

Revolting Rhymes is a series that ran for 1 seasons (2 episodes) between December 26, 2016 and on BBC One