Rapunzel: A Tangled Panto!

Princess Rapunzel has been kept locked up in a tower for almost eighteen years by witch Gothel, who she believes to be her mother. But her royal parents, have not given up hope that one day she may return to them. And every year they celebrate her birthday, by releasing one sky-lantern for every year she’s been gone. Rapunzel’s solitude is broken by the arrival of three Fairies, who persuade her to let them transport her to the outside world. Gothel discovers Rapunzel has been freed, and enlists the help of two idiotic villains to return her to the tower.

The first number ‘Opening Up’ in the village of Bouffant was performed in front of a very good looking and colourful set. Willie Widdle played by Karen Evans made an instant impact with the audience and gave a super performance with physicality and some great facial expressions. Karen’s comedy timing was matched by Nurse Hetty Hairspray played by Ben Wilson, who almost delivered a laugh a line with great energy and presence throughout. The King and Queen, (Pete Twiddy & Christine Kislak) Rapunzel’s royal parents were an endearing couple and sang an excellent medley by Coldplay, as we understood how they felt on Rapunzel’s birthday with each passing year.

The witch Gothel who had captured Rapunzel was indeed evil, dressed suitably in black (loved the shoes) and Penny Sant provided an unforced yet wicked character. Rapunzel herself was very well played by Jess Cook, looked every bit the role, spoke with great personality and sang beautifully.

The panto was blessed with not one but three – of perhaps the most unlikely fairies you would expect – but nevertheless Claire Bryant, Hazel Smith and Emma Diamond  played their roles with a style that was fun and indeed helped Rapunzel escape the tower.

When Gothel needs to enlist help to recapture her, the Villain’s Interview scene was amusing and Amy Owen (Ball) and Daisy-Mae Jones (Socket)  ‘hopeless henchmen’ came into their own singing ‘Its  a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll). Later the three fairies’ number ‘It’s Raining Men’ was a highlight. ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun’ sung by Nurse Netty and five of the young girls was also fun. When Prince George arrived, Casey Benson gave her usual strong performance and lovely voice. The final number in Act 1 sang by Rapunzel and joined by the Prince, King and Queen provided a poignant conclusion to the Act.

 Act 2 opened with a good number with Gothel and the youngsters ‘Monster Mash’ and we met Sargent Hawkeye and his squad in search of Rapunzel. Tim Wilson provided another of his fun panto characters! In the duet ‘Firework’ the Prince and Rapunzel’s voices blended beautifully. Back at the palace the King and Queen led  ‘Mr Blue Sky’, a good company number and ‘You Will Be Found’  from Dear Evan Hansen was also a good addition to some excellent song choices, which included six impressive mice (Arthur Cale, Fran Baio-Walby, Holli Beevers, Libby Thompson, Poppy Nions and Zara Skilleter). The remaining cast of Muses and Soldiers gave good support.

The seven-piece band never intruded and overall sound, costumes and lighting all made a great contribution. If I could have counted the ratio of laughs to lines I’m sure it would be impressive. I would add a special mention to the set builders and painters that once again provided an excellent set of scenes and under the general direction of Casey Benson, all involved should be very pleased with the result.

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