Rapunzel and the Tale of Rumpelstiltskin

Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group celebrated their 100th production with this cracking panto that had all the ingredients necessary to entertain adults and kids in equal measure.

On the night I was present Sara Todd was perfect as the young Rapunzel with great stage presence. At other shows the role was played by Georgia McKay with equal talent. Both these girls have come up via the groups youth theatre section and this bodes well for the future. Jennifer Scott as grown up Rapunzel sang beautifully and was a commanding leading lady who when all came good fell in love with Muddles played by Daniel McDonald. Daniel had a great rapport with the audience every time he appeared. As the baddie of the panto Wynter Elliott in his first lead role made sure he was booed every time he set foot on the stage. He was ably assisted by Ross White as Groton – his facial expressions were brilliant. Ensuring there were plenty of laughs, Craig Inglis, as Queen Gertrude had the audience in the palm of his hand with his witty one liners and never missed a chance to pick on a poor unsuspecting member of the audience. He was ably assisted by his down trodden husband King Claude played to great effect by Kevin Keay. Jillian McCall, as the Sorceress, light up the stage each time she appeared and made sure there was a happy ending to the tale. Barry Orr made a strong Captain of the Guard and helped to make sure good triumphed over evil. As important to the success of the show was the chorus who all had named parts with costumes to ensure we know exactly who they were. A great selection of music accompanied by a small band was well sung by principals and cast in equal measure. The choreography complimented the singing, never detracting and was performed with gusto. A great set built by members of the club set the scene and the real pony in the final scene was the icing on the cake. Well done to everyone on and off stage for a great night’s entertainment that left me very much in the Christmas spirit. Well done on reaching 100 shows – I’m already looking forward to the next 100.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.