Rapunzel

It is always good to see a  different type of Christmas production  and  this was certainly the case with Kaleidoscope’s “Rapunzel”.   

WOW – from the superb opening number with everyone in the show  in wonderful colourful costumes and all smiling it set the standard for the whole production.  A great Dame (Martin Bouse) bounced onto the stage in a superb, outrageous costume and one of the best panto wigs I have ever seen!   

We then met the leading characters. A really wicked Witch Gothel, excellently played by Jane Bailey, whose wicked ways were stopped (eventually) by Lucy Cadney as Fairy Flora – a
fairy out on her first job. These two worked really well together with plenty of cheers and boos! 

The comedy duo, Carol Leichssenring as Curly and Josephine Walker as Bob, did a great job.  Not easy for 2 ladies to play the silly Billy comedy roles but Carol and Josephine were
 great and kept the audience  laughing all through the show.  We then met Amy Bradford, a true principal boy in every way, playing the spoilt young Prince Frederick. She was well supported by Sam Billington as her Valet  who also kept the comedy going and had great time with the children in the audience.

Rapunzel herself was well played by a truly principal girl – she and her Prince were well cast. There were a number of other supporting characters who were excellent and kept the show
moving at a terrific pace. Not forgetting the hardworking ensemble who seemed to be on stage for most of the show.  A special mention for  the Flower Fairies – the much younger members of the company – who stole the show every time they appeared! The singing and dancing was of a very high standard – what a lot of rehearsal this must have taken.

Congratulations to the Musical Director, Alison Sharpe, who worked so hard throughout the whole show to superb effect. The costumes were excellent throughout – this being the responsibility of Denise Brown as Wardrobe Manager.  And the set, designed by Barry Smith, was most effective. 

Rapunzel was Directed by Debbie Weetman who must  be so proud of you all.  A really great
 show and it was my pleasure to meet you all afterwards.

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