Rapunzel

Having seen many excellent pantomimes by the Westovians, this one, very cleverly written by local lad Philip Meeks, was no exception.

This was the first time that the Westovians have had the principal boy actually played by a boy and not, as tradition goes, by a girl. That role was in the very capable hands of Andrew Dawson who both looked and acted the part very well, and he worked well with Carly Nelder who looked delightful, and played the part of Rapunzel with just what was required of a principal girl.

The comedy was provided by Kylie Ford, as Jangles, in a totally different role to that which she usually plays, but she certainly showed how versatile she has become, and boy, she certainly threw herself into it - literally !! Kylie was accompanied by another versatile actor in Mark Lamb, as Jasper. These two worked extremely well together.

Stan Hunter, as Queen Rosita, was excellent and really engaged the audience with his antics. David Foster was in the programme as King Rufus in which he played well, but as Noggins the henchman he was superb .

The nasty in the whole thing was Beryl Henderson, as Mother Gotel, who was suitably nasty to poor Rapunzel, and again engaged the audience.

The chorus and the dancers backed up the principals very well, and with the music in the very capable hands of Jonny Winter, and the direction of Gareth, this was a very entertaining pantomime which was enjoyed by myself and the rest of the audience.

Well done to the Westovians and I look forward to next year.

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