Rimpelstiltskin the Panto

Rumpelstiltskin is a German fairy tale included by the Brothers Grim in their 1812 edition of Children’s and Household Tales, but this panto version still has all the important ingredients and modern catchy songs you would expect. In fact, no better way to start than with the full ensemble singing ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams.

We have come to expect a number of beautifully constructed and painted sets and this production was no exception.

Karen Evans in the title role was full of characterisation, both in stature and movement and as usual held the stage with strength and poise whilst portraying a mysterious, evil, magical character. His two sidekicks Scratch and Sniff (Casey Benson and Jude Sanderson) worked well together,  in their inept ditzy way with some great expressions and fluid movement. I particularly liked their number ‘Friendship’ and ‘One Way or Another’ with Rumpelstiltskin. They are sent to capture sweet Annie Gusset (Jess Cook) for Rumpelstiltskin , who was just right, but she is swept off her feet by Donald McClooney (Andrew Evans) who she met ‘on-line’! Andrew maintained his Scottish accent and sang well with Annie (I’m Yours’) and again in Act 2 with Annie and the Company singing ‘Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher’, with some nice harmony.

Early on, we met Vance played by Chris Kislak, whose delivery van had broken down but is keen to deliver an important cake. This gives Vance the opportunity to engage with the audience as ‘look outs’ for anyone taking an interest in the cake – and Chris attacks the role with a great level of energy which keeps the action moving. Meanwhile the Prime Minister (Rob Coleman) who maintains a certain seriousness, with less serious moments including a surprise turn on his trumpet, is accompanied by his talented Cabinet called Dogsbody – Chloe Yates is the one and only cabinet member due to cutbacks and does a superb job playing a large number of cabinet and other roles! Annie’s mother, Gertie Gusset (Susan Derrett), kind but rather silly, does well and  joins in the fun along the way, and good support is also provided when we meet The King (Tim Wilson) and Queen (Penny Sant). The King is somewhat absent minded but greedy for gold and the Queen exasperated at times just about puts up with him (great wig!).

Act 2 opens with a great number ‘Thriller’ and I really felt the tempo shifted up a gear throughout the second act with some excellent numbers; ‘A Million Dreams’ led by Annie and joined by Donald, was sung with great feeling, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ sung by Rumpelstiltskin, Scratch and Sniff and 5,6,7, 8 which involved the youngsters who all moved well. They also provided good support earlier during the show and it was great to see some smiling faces.

The band supported the company well and lighting, sound and some great costumes provided exactly what was needed. After a polished final number, I had the feeling the audience would have welcomed a reprise, but that was not necessary. As the old adage goes, ‘leave them wanting more’.

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