Rapunzel

In my head, there’s a tradition that the final pantomime each winter will be at Ovingham.  And, so it is again, this year.  The journey west from Newcastle is just 12 miles but, at this time of year, it’s always dark and there’s an illogical fear a turn might be missed. Thankfully, we no longer do that and, magically, ahead of us is that fairy kingdom known as the Reading Room, once more transmogrified into a small theatre.  Inside we are surrounded by the warmth of the Ovingham regulars, front of house and in the auditorium.  The scene is set, let the magic commence!
 
“Rapunzel” is a fairy tale from the Grimm Brothers’ collection, published in 1812 but familiar in earlier folklore.  Most of us know the story of the princess in the tower whose long golden tresses allow her prince and rescuer to climb up to save her.  Here, we have a slight twist on the tale written especially for the group by Don Hodgson.  We are greeted by Fairy Plumm (Liz Lake) who soon clasps us to her bosom (figuratively, of course) as she sets scene.  She pops up throughout, always a very welcome presence.  Rapunzel is Becca (just one name, like Elvis or Cheryl) languishing in that tower under the beastly control of Witch Gothel (Lizzie Hodgson, who makes a strangely loveable witch).  Gothel utilises Rapunzel’s hair to enter and exit the window throughout, initially to loud boos which gradually subside as events unfold.
 
Earthbound (at least initially), is Frau Deacon, a dame, played by the apparently forgetful but very funny Paul Kelly.  There are two maids, Lettuce (Richard Heslop) and Courgette (Lorraine White), seeking a man or men, with considerable optimism.  Lettuce’s green hair and beard are particularly attractive, as is his/her vocal performance, somewhat akin to gargling with razor blades!  They set their caps at Prince Freddie who, luckily for him, escapes via the golden tresses of Rapunzel.  There is a great deal of unconvincing impersonation, as several characters in a series of more and more unconvincing wigs, offer Rapunzel the room to meet and fall in love with her prince.

Oh, and there’s an Ogre, green no less,  Lee Robinson, who plays him, is quite a big lad who manoeuvres himself, with dexterity, across a rather small stage, around rather a lot of people both up a-height and down below.  On the ground he finds himself fighting an election with silver-blonde, false news spewing Donald (guess who he might resemble), played by Bill Clegg, for the position of burgermeister. 

And so it goes.  There are many laughs, much merriment, more singing than usual, on a definite theme.  As always, the audience leave the auditorium in good spirits full of Christmas plumtiousness, albeit a little closer to Easter!!

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