Rapunzel

It was lovely to see Needham Market’s Panto again this year with Lesley and Jo Hughes at the helm. They were carrying on the good work that Jo Lea and her late husband Frank had been heavy involved with since 1989. Jo told me some time ago that she wanted to ensure the group would continue and only then would she feel comfortable in stepping back, going to live closer to her family and tick off a few more places to visit on her bucket list. We wish you all the best Jo. The Society had written an excellent tribute to Frank and Jo on the back of the programme which we found very touching.

It was good to see lots of new faces joining the group, both adults and in the junior chorus. The ever popular juniors had  20 members all performing together for the first time. Some of the little ones nervously in the front row and some very confidently dancing and singing their hearts out.  I’m sure they could have been heard right down the High Street! Let’s hope they fall in love with the experience and keep coming back to swell the membership in years to come.  I should mention those behind the scenes, their chaperones, who must have had their work cut out looking after these inexperienced little ones when not onstage.

Like all traditional Pantos there has to be a fairy and a witch. Here we see Sophie Warde Hunter in the role of Fairy Flora.  She is enchanting and looks fabulous in her stunning costume and fairy wings as she tries to ensure Witch Gothel (Sally Lord) doesn’t succeed with her evil plans. Sally certainly looks very evil with her brilliant costume and make up. Worryingly she was totally at home with her characterisation!  She soon has all the audience ‘booing’ her and she reacts accordingly with great fierceness and energy.  They both performed some good solos, keeping in character throughout.   Simon Hughes obviously had a good time as the Dame last year as he returns again this year in the guise of Dame Beatrix Bouffant with her enormous ‘bouffant’ hairstyle.  She along with Curly (Gareth Cross) and Bob (Daniel Crompton) are all excellent in these comedy roles and really excel, literally throwing themselves into the physical antics and the knock-about slapstick scenes. Entertainingly done by all three of you, hope you didn’t end up with too many bruises!

Rhianna Melton plays the title role of Rapunzel with a beautiful singing voice and looking lovely, a perfectly believable character, locked in the tower with just her books for company until Prince Frederick arrives to rescue her. Martin Chalmers is the dashing Prince who is determined to turn over a new leaf and make himself worthy in the eyes of his father to marry Rapunzel. His stage mother, Gillian Hilder, has been with the group for many years and here we see her regally playing Queen Gertrude along with her husband King Geoffrey (Andy France). In real life Andy’s wife, Sarah France plays Frankie. She  linked all the scenes accompanying the Prince in his efforts to rescue Rapunzel,  a very big role and played extremely well.  There was some well sung solos and several big full company numbers which were all enthusiastically performed and well choreographed.

Congratulations to all those playing the smaller but equally important supporting roles and junior chorus. You all certainly gave us and your very enthusiastic audience an entertaining evening. 

The set and backdrops were colourfully painted and enhanced with some very effective lighting.  Mention also due to Sharon Walker as wardrobe and seamstress for all the great looking costumes. Congratulations to Lesley and Jo plus all your production team for another successful Village Panto. On a personal note thank you for your warm welcome. It was lovely to see you both again.

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