Rapunzel

This was my 4th Pantomime since taking on the NODA role and was a very different but extremely pleasurable experience. The setting was innovative and the cast, all under 18 years were delightful.

We opened with a very articulate Fairy, Louise Cook, who introduced the story while handling the rhyming script with confidence.

The company then treated us to the first of many numbers sung with enthusiasm, I was so impressed by their obvious enjoyment.

All of the principals played their parts with style and the singing was melodic and sweet. Prince Richard, Kaya Hunter, was a thigh slapping prince. Rapunzel, Karissa Lovegrove, was a feisty, sweet captive of the Witch, Cairo Smith, who roused the audience to multiple boo’s. Special mention must go to Mini Witch, Lorelei Thompson, who despite being the smallest and youngest principal was spot on with her lines and her portrayal.

The comedy was in the hands of the Dame Hatty Hairfeather, Mark McGowan, Sassoon the assistant, Toby Sparrow, Attendant 1, Eilidh Donald, Attendant 2, Izzy Eggleton-Hunter and Horace Hairfeather, Lisa Callander. They kept the audience in Pantomime land with their antics, audience encouragement and jokes. Well done to you all.

My lasting impression will be of a company who are enjoying theatre. Writing, producing, designing and making set, writing and arranging music, designing the programme, working backstage all with an ethos of encouraging the participation of the children.

I know this is the work of a production and society team who give freely of their time and talents. They will be rewarded by the engagement of the children and audience but I name them now as my tribute to them.

Producer and Writer Marley Hunter, Composer Christopher Hewitson, Musical director Colin Grant, Stage Manager Barry Eggleston, Lighting Joe Hawk, Sound David Colligan, Stage crew Seb Eggleton-Hunter and Drums Gordon Andrew. Good luck for the rest of your run.

I am looking forward to visiting you all again soon.

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