Rapunzel

I am always filled with admiration at the writing/directing team (and decision of whose turn, this time Peter Franklin) in the innovative story line and adaptation to the company best exposure and best exploitation of talents in the group, and Rapunzel was no exception with characters acting, singing and dancing (including usual stylish tap routine) as a team with enthusiasm and obvious enjoyment. Plus add in the toe-tapping live music. And all named roles were highly suitable and gave of their best as they ventured through the story. That opening number of ‘Circle of Life’ just hit between the eyes with impact of set and costumes (very 60s), volume of song and all moving well, it set the standard: what an example to give to many other thespians.
 In the Village of Side Parting, we met those at the market: Don Innes (the elder) from Steve Benson, the Matchless purveyors of vegetables (which caused all the growth of hair) from Ralph Wiggins and Merle Hooke, the busy hairdresser Alison Mawson and her devious side-kick Dave Buckley, and Graham Colombe as Mr Clout in hardware. Plus, of course, the title role a feisty Rapunzel of very, very long red hair (Kate Olby), her parents Iain Mawson and Sam Duncan and brothers John Ratcliffe and Finlay Newton; not to mention the all-important suitor Bob the local handyman from Jane Temple. And they all save the situation by building a tower to house Rapunzel (all very clever).
 Story move to forest to meet the dame on bicycle, a Tess Coe who delivers the groceries to the tower, and also delivers the comedy lines with timing.
 And the reason for this sanctuary from Wigton Castle needed is the sadly hairless Baron from Chris Hoxley dominated by mother Marjorie Davies and their search for the red hair wanted by the strange Professor (Dave Long), aided by his delightful assistant Jenny Blowers, for his potion to grow hair. Loved the scissor hands on those creepy and evil Thatchmakers of Jess Tutt and Michelle Cobbett, and the makeup. And one should not forget the faithful retainer Mrs Doylie of Fen Harrison, with tea trolley.
 Suffice it to say, the evil was thwarted and good prevailed in a wave of happy song and dance, and how the audience enjoyed it all.
 The cream of the production just had to be the imagination realised by the technical team of giving us the puppets climbing up and down the tower (to laughter and applause), and that amazing folding of set to open and close a window into the tower for the acting cast: a great effect. Once again the sets (and costumes) to the standard that we have come to expect and depend upon and applaud from the talented team backstage.
 The fun and atmosphere, enthusiasm and teamwork at Blakeney, with no lowering of the high standards, really makes this a group to want to participate in and it grows from year to year, and for the audience to watch with true enjoyment of entertainment.

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