Rapunzel

Pantomime is the reason I studied theatre, and I think pantomime can be the best form of entertainment for anyone from 3 to 99 years of age. I was really looking forward to seeing Rapunzel, an original pantomime written by Josh and Lewis Clarke. What an incredible show — an amazing piece of theatre that no one could have walked out of without enjoying. Any show begins with the script, and all I can say is wow! The script these brothers wrote was a pantomime masterpiece: funny, clever, and original.

Annabel Clarke took their script and moulded it into a fast‑paced, action‑filled, comedy‑packed production. I personally loved the flea routine — just so clever.

Chelsea Clarke is a great choreographer and once again got every member of the company moving in time with complex and tightly rehearsed routines.

Tom Nichol and his band were great. What I really enjoyed were the song choices; little is ever mentioned about how important these decisions are. McFly mixed with Dear Evan Hansen classics worked brilliantly. The end of Act 1 proved how, when a director, choreographer, and musical director work as a team, they can create theatre magic.

Rapunzel was played by Carly Bays, who has a beautiful voice and played off Lewis Clarke as Prince Pompadour very well. Lewis does not play the principal boy role traditionally, but the writing of the part makes his character stand out — and ultimately makes him great fun to watch.

Peter Wright played Dame Flora Follicle. This is the best I have seen Peter play the Dame; his timing on the comedic lines and his interplay with the audience were exceptional.

Josh Clarke as Bobby was outstanding. Josh is one of the best audience friends I have had the honour of watching. His timing is impeccable, and his audience work is something inspiring actors should study to learn how to work a crowd. Ylana Schafer‑Thomson as Alice had the difficult task of working alongside Josh, and she not only held her own but matched him with sharp comic timing — and she has an outstanding voice.

Buzz and Mullet were played by Noah and Jordan Clarke. Once again, they were faultless with their comic timing, and I always enjoy how Jordan plays around with the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Emily Delacy played the evil Mother Gothel. She played the role well, earned all the required boos, and once again proved to be another performer with an outstanding voice. Her henchmen, Ratby and Foxworth, were played by Ed Smith and Siobhan Keppler. They were both great in their roles, playing the rodents with real physicality and humour. I must say, I liked their makeup as well.

Finally, King Toupee was played by Alan Reilly. He made the most of his comedic lines, and I really did love his mohawk.

SPADS always build their own sets, and once again this one was beautiful. The moving tower was used to great effect. Will Leete deserves a special mention, as their shows are always technically spot‑on, and Will always makes the time to speak with me and talk me through the technical side of the production — something I really appreciate.

As someone who loves panto, I think this show had everything needed to make everyone in the audience walk out smiling. Thank you, as always, to the SPADS team for their hospitality, and congratulations on what was a spectacular pantomime.

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