Rapunzel

This was an energetic and well written script, ably directed by the Group Chairman, Sam McCarthy.

The script was very familiar to me as my own company had performed this a few weeks earlier. So, for me it was interesting to see different interpretations by the characters.

The opening was lively and engaged the whole company in a village setting. Prince Frederick, well played by Ashlea Moore, was a thigh slapping principal with a good singing voice and Rapunzel, played by Jessica Hewett, was sweet and engaging and managed her long hair plait so well! Although Jessica came late into the part she portrayed a strong role in dealing with Witch Gothel, so well played by Katie Johnson who was a powerful presence on stage.

Dame Beatrice Bouffant, played by Keith Peck, was flambuoyant and extravagant, as befits a panto dame, with so many costume changes including 2 during the route to the castle. These alternated between traditional and more modern, rather slinky outfits. Her son, Frankie, who was valet to the Prince, was played by Peter Norfolk who put in a strong performance in the role and endeared himself to the audience.

Comedy duo, Curly and Bob, played by Phoebe Collinson and Steve Salmon were well cast , delivering jokes and slapstick comedy, falling and fooling around on stage and the audience really warmed to their antics .Facial expressions were excellent !

A dogmatic King Geoffrey was played by Roger Weeley and his somewhat insipid and fawning wife, Queen Gertrude, was played by Jane Rayner. These two were well paired.

Fairy Flora , played by Ashleigh Masters, was the requisite good fairy and was a great foil to Witch Gothel. Lacie, Macie and Gracie, played by Kirstie Tominey, Jacqueline Stephens and Claire Townley all acted, sang and danced very well and were an asset on stage.

Steve Church was the Captain of the Guard, falling prey to the amorous antics of the Dame. Here, the role could have been more exaggerated in the repartie between the two but nevertheless the audience enjoyed the comedy !

The youngest principal member, Elliot Line was the Herald and, whilst I would have expected a herald to be rather imposing and stern Elliot did well.

The chorus and dancers were all excellent, with some great choreography by Emily Aldis, and captained by Ashleigh Masters. Well done to you both and also to Chorus Mistress, Julia Clarke for her role.The children were very well rehearsed and keen, they sang up well and danced beautifully. Maybe they could have been a little more prominent on stage where they were mostly restricted to the back of the set.

The sets were simple but effective, consisting of curtains depicting the different scenes so set changes were very quick and efficient. Congratulations to Company Stage Manager, Lucy Szmyr and stage crew for making it happen seamlessly and to Wardrobe Mistress, Gwen Porter and team for the costumes. An efficient team of lighting and sound technicians supported the action throughout.

Well done to everyone involved with this production. The audience were very appreciative and I enjoyed it immensely.

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