Fairytale Courtroom

This lovely play, aimed at a young audience, was new to me.  On entering the hall and being shown to our seats we noticed that the front rows were reserved for families, with bench seating at the very front for the youngest members of the audience. This was a great idea and it wasn’t long before excited youngsters were sitting in what was for many, their school hall.

The action was at audience level, which enabled the children to feel more involved.  The set consisted of the Judge’s chair, on a higher level to enhance her status, with counsels’ bench stage right and the witness box stage left.  All were in shades of green with floral decoration which looked most appropriate for this woodland courtroom. The quill pens were an innovative touch.

We in the audience were members of the jury for two trials. At the end of each we were asked to decide the verdict.  Was it guilty or innocent?  Both ended with majority verdicts, I think.  But of course we were here to witness events in a fairytale court, so it was a bit confusing at times.

The first trial was that of the Big Bad Wolf. I’ve never seen a wolf in a suit before but then this one was conducting his own defence, so obviously wanted to look his best for his court appearance.   Well played by Paul Winspear. Following the interval or should I say recess, came the trial of the Witch.   Amanda Green was Witch with scary make-up and a broomstick.  But rather than frightening the younger members of the audience, she proved to be quite popular, with children asking to be photographed with her, after the show.

The large cast, many of whom played multiple characters were obviously enjoying being in this lovely production. They all deserve a mention, so here goes.  Most important to the proceedings was of course the Judge. I liked Jacqui Kinnison’s portrayal of this rather dotty character who seemed to prefer the rock, paper, scissors method of resolving a dispute. Granville Rush was very convincing as Prosecution Attorney as was Laura Martin as Defence for Witch.  Greg Hill and Penny Reeves as Bailiffs completed the court line-up.  Their authentic costumes looked very good.

The witnesses were all fairytale characters.  Well done to Sam Downes on playing Three Little pigs, each with their own character, before morphing into Snow White. Corrina Graham-Hodson as Lil’ Red, Scarecrow and Magic Mirror once again showed us her versatility as an actress, while Jeanette Burke gave a great impersonation of a fairytale Granny. Holly Featherstone was great as Badger before being Dorothy and one half of Hansel and Gretel, the other half being Greg Hill, with both fighting over a cupcake. Paul Winspear made his second appearance of the afternoon, looking rather resplendent as the Prince.

All the costumes were lovely and really brought the characters to life. Congratulations must go to Anne Styles in charge of wardrobe. Lighting and sound were in the capable hands of Will Jamieson.

This was a lovely production, enjoyed by children of all ages!  Congratulations to all involved.

 

 

 

                                                           

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