Rapunzel

Rapunzel is one of the lesser performed pantomimes, though the story of the young princess shut up in the tower, letting down her very long hair, is well known.

This storyline is inevitably hard to recreate (particularly the height) within the constraints of a village hall stage. Nevertheless, Muchty Theatre Group coped admirably using their small multipurpose set, that flipped and rotated from scene to scene – and there were 25 changes!

In the title role, Bryony McColl saved the day with her long flowing locks enabling the Prince (Jessica Bou) to climb up the tower and rescue her. As is so often the case, the title role does not always have the largest acting part – also the case here. However, Bryony excelled in this principal role.   As is panto-norm, the dame – tonight Dame Beatrix Bouffant – drew much deserved laughter from the audience, and, together with Frankie – the cheery fool and children's friend – played by Naomi Cooper, worked well together.  On the contrary, the quality of the baddie, Witch Gothel, could be judged by the number of boos she received, and tonight Susan Wallace received them in spades! Well done Susan, a true measure of your evility!–

These gifted performers were ably supported by the minor pincipals, King Geoffrey (Robert Page) and Queen Gertrude (Steph Gerrie) who contributed much to the story and brought laughs for the King’s forgetfulness when it came to a few lines – but handled so well!  Curly (Lianne Fearn) and Bob (Vicki Dalrymple) formed a good working duo, and, of course, where would we be without a good fairy to ensure all ended happily ever after. Whitney McAllister filled this role with great aplomb as Fairy Flora!

Well done to Auchtermuchty Theatre Group for tackling one of the lesser known pantomimes.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.