Rapunzel

Originally written as a fairy tale by The Brothers Grimm, Centre Stage’s “Rapunzel” tells the story of a baby princess, stolen at birth by the wicked Mother Gothel and imprisoned in a tower in the woods until her 18th birthday.   In true pantomime fashion our heroine is eventually saved by her handsome ‘prince’.  But before we reach this happy ending we must watch the tale unfold.

We are introduced to the story by fairy Herbal Essences, waving a pair of hair straighteners as a wand. Well played by Charlotte Scammerton who immediately engages with both adults and children.  Her departure from the stage gives way to a spectacular opening scene with all the village folk of Babyliss emerging from behind a gauze, singing Life’s a Happy Song.

Denise Harriss is suitably nasty as Mother Gothel who only wants Rapunzel for the magic powers of her very long hair.  Hair which sparkles with lights when brushed. A nice touch. This is a large part, very well played but not scary enough to frighten the children in the audience. A good thing. 

An imprisoned Princess must be guarded and Steve Marsh and Nick Selin as the comical duo Head and Shoulders do an excellent job.  Act two sees them giving us an energetic rendition of the Proclaimers “500 Miles” and, having presumably walked 500 miles and back they reappear in kilts and sporting face paintings of the saltire to entertain both children and adults in the audience participation section. Very well done, both of you.

Victoria Harvey is a lovely Rapunzel and the song When I Grow Up is beautifully sung by her and  the two younger versions of herself played by  Cecilia Snell (Rapunzel at 12) and, at the performance I reviewed,  Ava Herd (Rapunzel at 8) This young lady shows a stage presence and confidence beyond her years. Backed by a chorus of very competent young singers, this is one of the highlights of the show.

No Panto is complete without a Dame, in this case Nellie Bangs who runs a hairdressing salon. Oh yes she does and the clues are there earlier in my report!  Well played by Nick Keeble who engages well with the audience. I lost count of the number of wigs he wears during the performance. Nellie’s romantic interested is Rapunzel’s father, King Bouffant played by Andy Letcher.   These two make an excellent pairing.

Nellie’s son Will, the hero who rescues Rapunzel from her tower is very well played by Billie Allen. A role requiring lots of energy and a good singing voice and this actress displays both.

A special mention for the excellent storybook backdrop.  Covering the centre back of the stage, its large pages are turned as if by magic.  Each turn depicting a different scene.  The whole thing is beautifully made and smoothly operated, out of sight of the audience.  Congratulations to those responsible for the design, the making and the operation of this innovative idea.

There is so much young talent in this show.  Well done to the children and to the Production Team  who put them and everyone else through their paces.

Congratulations to Kelly Mepham on her directing debut, to Script Writer and Assistant Director Becca Neal for the clever theming and to Daisy Webb for the choreography.  A high standard has been set.

Excellent costumes, a good lighting plot and a lively band under the direction of a versatile Tony Trott made this a Pantomime that Centre Stage can be proud of.

Thank you for inviting me.

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