Rapunzel

Ingleton Theatre Group's Pantomime for this year was Rapunzel.

After being stolen by the Witch Gothel as a baby, Rapunzel has been kept locked up in a tower for almost eighteen years. Knowing no differently, she believes Gothel to be her mother (why wouldn't she- it happens in Eastenders all the time). Her real parents, the King and Queen have never given up hope of their daughter returning to them, and every year, on her birthday, have a lavish bash to celebrate- doesn't make for much of a story, does it? Until.........

Rapunzel’s solitude is broken by the arrival of some fairies, who persuade her to let them transport her to the outside world to seek her destiny. This should go swimmingly well.... but not in Pantoland! Gothel finds out that Rapunzel has disappeared, and with her lackeys, Ball and Socket, ventures out to return Rapunzel to her tower. 

Throw in a few other chatracters on the way, a love interest, some dancing and singing villagers into the mix, and a happy ending in less than two hours and everyone will hopefully go home happy.

As ever with Ingleton, there were good performances throughout.

Rapunzel and Prince George (Debbie Akrigg and Gill Denby) made a delightful couple when sharing the stage.

The witch Gothel (Emily Coates), gave a deliciously wicked performance, giving the audience plenty of opportunity to participate with their booing and hissing. Emily was competently backed up by the hapless lackeys, Ball and Socket (Chris Beesley and Jake Tatham)

There were well timed performances from King and Queen of Bouffant, played by Ralph Sullivan and Wendy Moorhouse- saying this, everyone's timing was spot on throughout.

Performances of the night for me were Hetty Hairspray (Jim Turner) and Willy Widdle (Tracy Joel) who both gave really good performances- both had a great rapport with the audience and each other, never missing a gag..... and probably adding a few more!

Every one of the Fairies added their own twist to the fairies they played (I could mention all of their names, but there were more fairies than you can shake a wand at).

Shout out has to go to Paul Berry as Captain Hawkeye- he certainly knows how to make the most of a small role and leaving a lasting impression!

One of the main things I enjoyed about this panto's writing, was the fact that every character had a fair share of comic lines, rather than just the "usuals"

Well done to everyone on the stage- the chorus/ dancers showing the level of enthusiasm we have all become accustomed to.

Staging and lighting were as per, really good- the group themselves creating the backcloths/sets. Once again, one of the highlights of the show was the flourescent scene- Ingleton always manage to hit the spot with these.

Choreography by Ellie Brown (supported by Sophie Hughes and Becca Walker) was simple and effective- the dancers worked hard and enjoyed themselves

Wendy Moorhouse as Singing coordinator had obviously put the work in.

Directors Liz Cartmell and Shelagh Fagan should be very proud of what the group acheived

Thank you Ingleton, for your invite (Including the month early one) and hospitality

 

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