Rapunzel

Back at the Carnegie Theatre for my last show of 2025 to see Rapunzel and I knew I was not going to be disappointed especially with a sold-out show. The noise coming from the audience must have given all the performers a big lift.

The show opened with Fairy Dandruff played by Heather Gibbon, speaking in rhyme. With her clear voice and her mannerism on stage she set the tone for what was clearly going to be a very good panto.

Then Came Mother Gothel played excellently by Sarah Deans, she had the audience hissing and booing every time she came onto the stage, every panto needs a villain and Sarah did not disappoint.

The ever-reliable Shirley McLean did a smashing job of portraying Pascal, Dame Fanny Follicle’s son and managed to get the audience on side from the very beginning, her antics encouraged enthusiastic participation from the audience.

Jack Pike playing King Bouffant done a great job especially when losing all his hair and having to wear different wigs, my favourite must be the Mohican.

Georgia Hunter as Rapunzel gave a splendid performance, and she worked so well with her evil Mother Gothel.

We now come to one of my favourite characters Dame Fanny Follicle played by Eric Finlay and what a performance, he done everything from singing, Dancing and lots of humour. Eric really did put a full shift in on this role, his timing of the jokes was excellent never rushing a gag and always made sure the audience got it. A master at work knowing how to get the very best out of an audience.

What can I say about Emily Houghton playing Prince Ryder, a true professional who is so talented in what she does, her vocals were outstanding and her acting and dancing was of the highest level. As well as being the Stage Manager and may I say what a fantastic set it was she was also the Choreographer and done a brilliant job with this also. I do not know where she finds the time and energy to be able to do all of this but she gives a 100% on whatever she is doing. Excellent work Emily you are a credit to amateur dramatics and long may it continue.

The Ensemble worked very hard on stage and sang and danced beautifully, I always admire a good ensemble because without you the show would not have the same effect.

Mark Hazzard the musical director done a great job, everything sounded great.

Costumes looked so good off stage, the lighting and sound was very good.

Kimberley Hazzard who directed this panto done an excellent job, it was fast paced and very entertaining from start to finish.

A very good pantomime and you should all be proud of yourselves, you put on a wonderful show to a sold-out audience.

 

Jim Morgan

 

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