Rapunzel

Well,  we knew we were in for a good afternoon. The audience were buzzing waiting for Rapunzel to start. The gent sitting next to me was told by his daughter not to show them up by singing along. Well, he took no notice and, along with the rest of the audience, sang along to everything! With 52 members of the cast it must have been quite difficult to organise, but as ever, with lots of willing back stage crew and large production team it was achieved very successfully.

The Abedyfi Players are very resourceful and certainly imaginative. Costumes are always excellent with lots of changes for the childrens’ chorus, which included red and green for “Anything You Can Do”, frogs and fairytale costumes from Rapunzel’s story book. The list is endless it “seams”.

I must congratulate Des George and his team for again making a wonderful set. Rapunzel’s tower must have been a real challenge, very clever way to suggest Prince and Frankie climbing up and entering the window, which appears as the tower opened up.

If the audience enjoyed themselves, so did the cast. They were full of smiles during the opening and throughout. They were obviously having fun, except Rapunzel (Molly Aitken) who sat with her long hair and a few books which she had read many times.  She had a lovely singing voice and really enjoyed her release from the Tower.

Prince Frederick (Sean Garrett) is quite new to principal parts but played it very well. Who could resist or do otherwise with his valet Frankie (Louis Hiatt) who induces laughter from everyone.

Dame Beatrix Bouffant (David Gosney) played the hairdresser quips so well. Costumes were great, as was his/her performance. Witch Gothel (Crona Hodges)  was suitably wicked with not a lot of competition from Fairy Flora (Annette Pullan) who kept getting her spells slightly wrong with strange consequences. She did, however, sing “Ethereal Girl” very nicely and, of course, everything has a happy ending.

Well, what can I say about Curly (Beth Edwards) and Bob (Su Tacey). They were so funny and obviously work well together, revelling in accents!! Lots of funny incidents but I particularly enjoyed their hiding episode when they ended up back to back so that no one could see them. Excellent duo.

 King Geoffrey (Meurig Lumley) and Queen Gertrude ( Annie Lake) held court with the help of their Herald (Alison Sayes) and Queens Lady in Waiting (Menna Diamond).

Captain of the Guard (Edward “The Vet” Moss)was another matter He and Frankie were dressed in silver “tights” and the Captain’s had split. They did the scene so well you really weren’t certain if it was just for this performance or just part of the panto. Oh Yes It Was!!

Then that duo are let loose with calling the raffle during the interval. I reckon they could write a panto of their own judging by their continual comments.

An opportunity for several members of the chorus during “Who Will Buy”. Several nice voices, - well done. ”The Snippets” were seen singing as a group during the show. Especially as a backing group for “I Need a Hero” – lovely harmonies.

The choreography was excellent. Sarah, Penny and Leila shared this task. The chorus were all inclusive and very interesting. Then the children’s chorus was lovely and suitable for their ages. The Snippets had their own choreography for their involvement in the story and their own special dance.

A pre-requisite of a pantomime is a happy ending and the boy marries the girl, the baddie gets the come-uppance, entertaining the audience and cast enjoying themselves and being inclusive.

Congratulations again to ALL of you on and off the stage.

 

Jackie Titley

 

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