Sleeping Beauty

You know Christmas is coming when the pantomime season starts and what a start to the season we had visiting Ormskirk Pleasure Folk to see their very enjoyable production of “Sleeping Beauty”, directed by Gemma Briscoe. We were treated to innovative ideas, upbeat songs, entertaining and well executed choreography, enjoyable performances from all the cast , as well as the usual pantomime high jinx (oh yes they did). There was an excellent Dame - Nurse Hettie Harpie once again played by the indomitable Jim Briscoe who, along with Scott Allen as Muddles, had a good rapport with the audience. They used their comic skills and their corny jokes to encourage the audience to join in with preceding to good effect. Beth McClelland was an excellent Bad Witch Hazel, who had evil intentions towards Princess Rose, Beth maintained her character at all times, and owned the stage. At the opposite end of the evil and nice spectrum we had a lovely confident performance from Hannah Charnock as the Good Fairy Lilac who was wonderfully assisted in her endeavours to keep the princess safe by five very special talented young Fairies, they were Fairy Blue-Megan Lawson, Fairy Green-Isla Graham, Fairy Silver-Charlotte Procter, Fairy Red-Anna Spence and Fairy Yellow- Eden Wainwright. There was more comedy from a good likeable comedy duo Fetch and Carrie, Jamie Mather and Steve Coghlan who worked together well. Then there was the not so very bright King Cactus and Queen Marigold, Mark Charnock and Katie Geldart who complemented each other very nicely. Last but definitely not least we had two very talented young actors, Millie Pendleton as Princess Rose, Sleeping Beauty and Emily Mayne as Prince Alexander, they made a lovely pantomime leading couple and produced good confident performances 

There were lots of high points in this pantomime for example the excellently choreographed ultra violet light room in the tallest tower dance, very well performed by Bad Witch Hazel and the dancers, this was where Princess Rose pricks her finger on the spindle of a spinning-wheel. The spinning-wheel was outlined in LED- lights which changed colour with the music.Then there was the very funny schoolroom scene which must have been very well rehearsed, it included  lots of excellent slapstick comedy with great timing, this generated lots of laughter from the audience.

The chorus and dancers appeared to be enjoying themselves singing and performing the choreography by Liz Wainwright expertly, and supporting the principle cast very well. The cast were also nicely supported by the band which included,Musical Director Nancy Wells -Keyboard, Shaun Geldart – Keyboard,Vince Wilcox-Drums and Emily Chappell – Flute.

The scenery added to the feel of the production and there were very smooth transitions between scenes ,which help keep the pace of the show just right. Costumes were bright, colourful and just right, adding authenticity to the show. 

Well done to all backstage workers, set builders, sound and lighting, for their efficiency and hard work.

Congratulations  to all involved in bringing this very enjoyable traditional Pantomime to the stage, the audience seamed to really enjoy themselves and thank you for making us so welcome.

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