Rapunzel

The Hereford Amateur Pantomime Society's (HAPS) rendition of "Rapunzel," penned by local playwright Garry Bailey, was truly remarkable. It seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, offering a refreshing take on this classic fairytale. Under the direction of Nicola Twigg and with exceptional contributions from Emily Twigg's choreography, Martha Smith's vocal coaching, and backing tracks by Jenni Axtell and Alex Fraser, the production showcased the collective skill and dedication of its team. The show's pace was superb, featuring great characterisations, vocals, slick routines, and seamless direction.

The production, with its vibrant costumes and clever set design, showcased the creativity of the production team. The auditorium's balcony was ingeniously transformed into Rapunzel's tower, cleverly concealed behind a painted curtain resembling stone walls with trailing greenery, facilitating the iconic scene of Rapunzel throwing down her hair. . Rapunzel stayed true to the quintessence of a good pantomime, featuring a strong Princess, nefarious villains, heroic figures, and a larger-than-life Dame. The script was cleverly written, brimming with humour and witty double entendres, while the sensational musical numbers and captivating dance routines added to the spectacle. With ample opportunities for audience participation, including the iconic callouts like "It's behind you" and the "oh yes you are" and "oh no you’re not," the production truly engaged its audience. Overall, it was a testament to Bailey's talent as a script writer, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved story.

Madeleine Thompson's portrayal of Rapunzel was truly delightful, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Doubling up as the mischievous doppelganger schoolgirl Aggie Applepip in later scenes added an extra layer of complexity to her performance, which she executed with finesse. What's more remarkable is that this was her first lead role, and at just 14 years old, she displayed a level of professionalism beyond her years. A natural entertainer, she exuded confidence and charisma on stage, captivating the audience with her remarkable stage presence and impeccable line delivery. Her portrayal struck the perfect balance between sweetness and feistiness, making her character relatable and endearing. Particularly enjoyable were her humorous interactions with Bad Duke Boris Badenuff, infused with sharp wit and sarcasm. Moreover, Madeleine showcased her exceptional vocal talents in musical numbers like "Rescue Me" and "Perfect," the latter performed alongside co-star Lydia Denton as Captain Fritz Perfectly, which was certainly a musical highlight.

Steve Raven's portrayal of Miss Dangle, the fabulous Dame, was a delight. With his experience, he effortlessly brought the character to life, charming the audience with impeccable comedic timing. Whether scripted or ad-libbed, his performance exuded a natural flow that kept the audience engaged and entertained throughout. His larger-than-life stage presence and exquisite costumes and wigs, added flair to the character. Steve Raven was perfectly cast in the role of Miss Dangle and demonstrated a level of talent that would seamlessly integrate into a professional pantomime.

Miss Dangle's academy for young ladies added a delightful touch of mischief and humour to the production, reminiscent of the St. Trinian's. The ensemble of nine talented girls brought energy and enthusiasm to the stage, providing a wonderful opportunity for the younger members of the group to showcase their skills. Moving as one unit, they had some memorable moments with the Dame, further enhancing the comedic elements of the show. The performance of 'Teacher’s Pet' from the School of Rock was particularly noteworthy, featuring impressive choreography.

Lydia Denton charmed the audience as the dashing Captain Fritz Perfectly. With a natural warmth, she effortlessly connected with the audience, showcasing strong vocal talent. Her rendition of "I Can Go the Distance" was particularly poignant, drawing the audience into her character's quest to rescue the Princess. Opposing her were the villainous duo of Lisa Fraser as Sorceress Gothel and Phil Field as Bad Duke Boris Badenuff, who delivered a dynamic and captivating performance. Their rendition of "Tainted Love" was a standout moment, as was Fraser's delectably wicked "Killer Queen."

Andrew Baker and Samantha Naylor portrayed Horrible Heinrich and Awful Adolphus with impeccable comedic timing, bringing a delightful blend of fun and energy to the production. As the lovable yet slightly dim henchmen of the Bad Duke, their performances were characterised by plenty of slapstick moments that elicited genuine laughter from the audience, making their scenes a real hoot to watch.

Hannah James-Fagg delivered a stellar performance as General D’Zasta, exuding just the right amount of pomp and authority on stage. Her impeccable voice work, combined with great characterisation and comic timing, added depth and humour.

Mia Field truly shone in her role as the lovable handyman Freddie Figaro, infusing the character with boundless energy and charm. Her interactions with the audience were nothing short of fantastic, with her 'what’s the next job?' callouts proving to be a real hit. As Freddie harboured a secret love for Rapunzel, there was a palpable desire among the audience to see him find love, making his journey a poignant yet perhaps missed opportunity in the story.

Additionally, the production featured standout cameos from Graham Jones and Heather Marshall as Dr Acula and Olga Volga, respectively. Their appearance in the Haunted Hotel scene was a highlight of the show, with Heather's eccentric antics drawing laughter and applause from the audience. Their contributions added an extra layer of entertainment to the production, making it a memorable experience for all.

While I typically refrain from singling out favourites, I must confess that Pipkin, the mouse, truly stole the show for me! Portrayed by Yasin Zan in Act I and Sammy Fraser in Act II, these talented young actors delivered remarkable performances with impeccable diction and unwavering confidence. Their portrayal of Pipkin demonstrated that bravery knows no size, capturing the hearts of the audience with their endearing presence on stage.

Furthermore, the ensemble cast delivered a spectacular performance, showcasing impressive routines from the exhilarating opening number, 'Best Day of My Life,' to the infectious energy of the closing number, 'Bring It All Back.' The high-octane musical numbers throughout the production had the audience singing and bopping along. 

Overall, it was a fantastic family show that brought joy to the audience from start to finish. The uplifting atmosphere and engaging performances were appreciated by all, making it a memorable experience. A big thank you to the Chairman of HAPS, Louisa Tobin and Vice President, Alison Walker for their warm hospitality and to the two lovely gentlemen who greeted me in the foyer before the show.

Congratulations HAPS on another fantastic performance! ‘Oh yes it was’ a memorable show!

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