Rapunzel

This was the first time I had seen the telling of the fairy story Rapunzel as a pantomime and the script, written by director Amanda Craib, was full of the usual characters – damsel in distress, handsome Prince, funny dame and fairies a-plenty. The large chorus got the evening off to a good start with an energetic rendition of “I Got That Feeling” set in the village square and then we were introduced to the main characters. Ben Mortimer’s outrageously flirty Dame Dolly (Rapunzel’s mother) made a grand entrance on her colourful mobile bakery cart and continued to have everyone laughing ably assisted  by her nephew (and Prince’s Aide) Aiden played well by Darren McKinnon who had the audience responding loudly to his catchphrase from the start. In the title role of Rapunzel was Amy Hector, an actress with a head for heights as she spent most of the show high on the balcony of her prison tower. Her suitor Prince Michael was played by newcomer Harry Stagg who had fine stage presence and a good singing voice, as was shown in the delightful duet with Rapunzel “True Colours”. Adrienne Lean revelled in playing the evil Gothel (Rapunzel’s captor) enjoying every hiss and boo from the audience. Much laughter was wrought from the antics of Gothel’s hapless side-kicks Raven and Cobweb played by Phoebe Gibb-Kellas and Lee Whitely respectively and I particularly enjoyed their rendition of “Me and My Shadow”. Strong support was given by Colin Smith (King George) and Ally Deas, Bryony Munro, Lauren Holmes and Aimee Stephen (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter Fairies respectively). Singing by everyone, accompanied by Brian Smith and his carefully controlled 6 piece band, was good as was the movement. Well done to all at EADS for an entertaining evening.

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