Rapunzel

My final visit to panto land for the 23-24 season was to Bishop Auckland Theatre Society to see their self-written pantomime “Rapunzel” and the second time I’d seen the titular performance that day!

You can always expect a lovely warm welcome at BATS, their front of house team are wonderfully friendly, so there was cuddles, cuppas and catch ups from the moment I walked in the door, including the insistence I wear a light up flower garland for the duration which of course I was happy to oblige with!  They had a very immersive front of house with character role play and decoration which always adds a nice touch.

There was a fabulous fixed set of bright colour used very effectively by Graham and Dan Walls.  Space is minimal in the Town Hall, there’s really no availability for large pieces of set so for them to be able to deliver they have to think outside the box.  Despite this restriction with space, they managed to deliver with a large cast including a junior ensemble, some dance routines and an original story.

Ruth Stapleton played the titular character Rapunzel and was a joy to watch and listen to with a beautiful clear voice.  I was not even remotely surprised to discover Ruth had been professionally  trained as her performance really was a cut above.  Emma Westwood-Fulcher, a power house of talent this time played the baddy, Mother Gothel very well with good audience interaction, suitably heckling the inevitable toilet-goers throughout the performance!  Adam May played Widow Wyf the traditional dame very well indeed, his shoes were a sight to behold, I loved the lace heels!  Lydia Jones was utterly delightful as the hapless Baron Van Halen and I’m sure I’m speaking for every audience member when I say we really looked forward to seeing her come back on stage each time.  Utterly hilarious animated performances.  Paula Taylor was a clear concise storyteller with clear diction, Florence Backes playing King Leif and Harry Westwood-Fulcher playing young King Leif with great stage presence.  Matthew Harper played Heathcliff and Janice Nixon played Kathy, Rapunzel’s parents and a little star in Holly Wake playing young Rapunzel with great stage presence.  Rhian Bernil Buck briefly also featured as a Storyteller.

There were elements of Matilda, Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings recognisable in the original script by director Graham Rispin.  Although clever, do be mindful of pace as the storytelling did seem to get a little lost and slow considerably at times.  Be mindful of small details too – I did spot multiple smart watches, phones in pockets, modern jewellery and rings on the cast which for a pedant for detail like me, can be a little off putting.  Costuming was as always from BATS really excellent in the capable hands of Brenna Finn, Jan Wilby, Suzanne Rainbow and Graham Rispin – well done.  Everyone looked fabulous and we ended with a great positive message for all to Be Your Own Hero.  Well done to you all.  I’m very much looking forward to Little Shop of Horrors, a great choice for your venue.

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