Rapornzel, An Adult Pantomime

One never knows what is in store when one attends an Adult Panto, I knew I would be in for a difficult time when reviewing this as there was no programme, how would I know who would sing what and who would be the most ‘pornographic actor’! Video display panels and mobile phones are so useful in this situation.

At least I consoled myself that I was not on the end of a row so I would be fine and not picked on, little did I know that the occupants of the two seats next to me had not turned up.

The walls as usual were neatly decorated with woodland silhouettes, Rapornzel’s tower rear centre stage was well built with a great long plait of hair falling from the window to the floor with double doors underneath and entrance on extreme left and right of stage much used, Stage left to be the main entrance for the Evil Motherf***er. The story followed the traditional story of Rapunzel.

We meet initially Hairy Fairy Dandruff sweetly portrayed by Aimee Peart-Webb who wore a little sparkly colourful costume that matched her sparkly personality. Perhaps bringing a little bit of decorum to the show as well as an amazing collection of Magic Wands, a nice portrayal, being the good fairy she was paired with Motherf***er wonderfully portrayed by Harry Bird, that red dress and the long boots certainly suited him, with great make-up he was a very convincing drag artiste and very in keeping with the character, crawling around on the floor and climbing all over Prince Ride-her. Harry has a great voice and gave the audience a great song, he appeared to relish a different type of role. How Natalia Beare kept a straight face as Prince Ride-her I’ve no idea, she was the stereotypical Pantomime Prince but in a thigh slappingly different style hunting for her princess, this was a greatly entertaining portrayal and her dark good looks contrasted greatly with the lightness of style and look of Rapornzel flirtatiously played by the ever delightful Danielle Shippey. Danielle always hides her delight of performing in an adult Panto by looking so sweet and demure. Great interaction between these two, also forever throwing inuendo out to the audience and great singing.

Every Panto needs to have a Silly Billy Character and an over-the-top Dame; we were not to be disappointed with the antics of Matt Beare as Pascal the Rascal who had a great rapport with the audience and forever encouraging the audience. He had great interaction and a few clips round the head from the magnificent over the top Dame Fanny Follicle brought to us in his own inimical style by Kevin Shippey. We go to see Fanny in her outrageous bust, costumes and wigs but in this instance for her interaction with the audience (namely me) amongst others, not least the ad-libs. Finally, we had an appendage attired King Merkin swaying across the stage played by Ewan McConnachie, how he too kept a straight face I’m not sure as he pursued Fanny.

Much as I don’t always appreciate the language this was a most entertaining evening and I very much enjoyed the show and my repartee with Kevin aka Dame Fanny. The action was always fast and frantic, the jokes flowed freely, the singing and movement was great, there were colourful and imaginative costumes. Lighting and sound were controlled by Stephen Plamer and most sound effects occurred on time. Thanks so much Josh for inviting me to come to the show. I’m not sure how much control director Josh Shippey had over the script and his actors, but he somehow managed it and to fit in a chorus of four who danced, sang and ran their way around the stage choreographed by Melinda Middleton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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