Rapunzel

Panto season continued with a two-panto day for me – with two versions of “Rapunzel” on the same day!  The first being a trip to Dryburn Theatrical Workshop to see Tom Whalley Pantomimes version of Rapunzel, a twist on the traditional fairy tale story.  This was a brand-new release from Tom’s extensive catalogue, the first time performed in the north-east, and personally I was very much looking forward to it.  Despite not necessarily being the biggest pantomime fan, Tom’s scripts are really clever and have a knack for binging out the best topical humour we expect from pantomimes.  In addition to that are the utter spectacles that Dryburn perform consistently.  You can guarantee a quality performance from them no matter what they undertake to do.

I loved the hilarity from Gerald the Herald played by Stephen Shield.  Likely a role developed by director Michelle Coulson, his live action trumpeting of various recognisable tunes in key moments were just timed perfectly and he had me in stitches laughing, often just with a tune and an eyebrow raise.  The “silly” esq character was brought to us expertly by Joe Coulson who can always be expected to deliver and kept the pace of the performance flowing.  I did write down that I found Pascal/Olaf hilarious!  Lee Passmoor played Fanny follicle the resident hairdresser and dame of the show, with fabulous costume hair and makeup.  Emma Coulson played the Princess Rapunzel, trapped in her tower with a more modern take on the traditional princess role who can really do serious damage with a frying pan, with Phil Stabler playing her dashing Prince Ryder.  Phil Martin played King Bouffant of the every changing hairstyle very well with the brilliant Claire Archer playing Fairy Dandruff with a beautiful sincerity in the silliness.  Erin Boyle played the traditional baddie in Mother Gothel incredibly, admittedly I do really enjoy watching Erin on stage generally but playing a baddy suits her – along with the dark brown wig!

There was a large ensemble all having fun and doing what Dryburn does best in entertaining their audiences, with choreography provided by Rebecca Scott.  Lots of lovely smiling faces were seen and everyone looked like they were having a blast.  Traditional pantomime guidelines were present with the goodie entering stage right, the baddy on stage left and a wonderful dame with Lee.  There was great audience interaction, fabulous shout outs, a million blonde wigs and giant nits! What more could you want?!

The hair salon itself was very cleverly done and praise to Phil who appeared to have shaved his head for the show!  There was a lantern scene delivered to “You Will Be Found” which was utterly gorgeous and provided a lovely sincere moment in the otherwise silly pantomime world.  Really beautifully lit, with a star cloth, handheld lanterns, atmospheric lighting and delivered softly, well done to all especially Hi-Lights Theatre Services for expert delivery as always.

I genuinely enjoyed myself and I’m so sorry to the cast for having to shoot straight off afterwards but I had 90 minutes to get all the way over to Bishop Auckland for my 2nd Rapunzel instalment of the day.  Well done to you all!

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