Rumpelstiltskin

Wow, what an evening! From the warm welcome my family and I received to the incredible production that unfolded on stage, packed full of fun, joy and plenty of laughter.

Kicking off the show with energy and enthusiasm was Fairy Laura Norder, dressed head to toe in a stunning police-themed fairy costume. You commanded the stage and captured the audience’s attention from the very start, setting the tone for the entire show. Fantastic Job!

We were then introduced to the mean and wicked Rumpelstiltskin, who brought a fantastic blend of menace and mischief to the stage. Your characterisation was excellent throughout, with strong stage presence and some well-timed ad-libbing that added to the fun. The audience absolutely loved to boo and hiss at you, fully embracing your role as the villain. Your energy and commitment to the character made for a truly engaging performance.

Hubble and Bubble were an absolute delight to watch, bringing endless energy and charm to the stage. Their chemistry was undeniable, and they worked together seamlessly, bouncing off each other with ease. Their quick-witted exchanges and playful antics kept the audience engaged and entertained from start to finish. It was clear they were having just as much fun performing as we were watching. A fantastic duo who brought so much laughter and life to the production.

Dame Liza Lott burst onto the stage with all the flair, enthusiasm, and larger-than-life presence that a true pantomime dame should have. Your expressive performance, playful interactions with the audience, and vibrant stage presence made for a performance that was thoroughly engaging. From your flamboyant costumes to your animated delivery, every detail of your characterisation was well executed.

Alfie the Elf captured the audience’s attention instantly, with everyone playfully asking, “What’s it all about, Alfie?” each time you stepped on stage. With your glittery beard, elf ears, and festive hat, you made the most charming and lovable elf. Your performance was bursting with joy, boundless energy, and fantastic characterisation, bringing a real sense of fun to every scene. You fully embraced the role, creating a character that was both endearing and entertaining, making Alfie a delightful addition to the show. Well Done!

Rosa Lott was beautifully portrayed, capturing the perfect balance of innocence, charm, and thoughtfulness. Your gentle stage presence and expressive performance made the character truly endearing. You brought warmth and sincerity to every scene, ensuring that Rosa remained a heartfelt and engaging presence throughout the show.

Prince Roland shone brightly, bringing a wonderful portrayal of a reluctant prince who gradually embraces his destiny. You demonstrated a clear understanding of the role, balancing charm, hesitation, and eventual confidence with ease. And what a voice! Your vocals were a true highlight, delivered with strength and emotion - I only wish we could have heard more from you. Your talent and stage presence make you one to watch for the future, and I have no doubt we’ll be seeing even more from you in performances to come. Great Work!

The prim and proper Mrs Nigella gave a lovely performance, bringing elegance and charm to the role. I especially enjoyed your rendition of ‘Anything You Can Do’ against the Dame. Your costume, hair, and glasses were perfection, adding to the refined and slightly formidable nature of your character. Your interactions with your on-stage daughter, Rubella Nigella, were wonderfully executed, perfectly capturing the dynamic between a doting mother and her incredibly spoiled child. Rubella Nigella was brought to life with confidence, embodying the overindulged and demanding nature of a character who always expects to get her way. The contrast between the two of you made for some great moments, and your scenes together were a joy to watch

Although smaller roles, Toil & Trubble were just as mighty, bringing plenty of fun and mischief as they navigated the Goblin world. Their playful antics and energetic performances added an extra layer of humour and charm to the show. The dynamic between the two was delightful, with their curiosity and cheeky personalities shining through in every scene.

No show would be complete without the many wonderful supporting roles and the talented children who brought so much energy and enthusiasm to the stage. Each performer, no matter how big or small their role, played a vital part in creating the magic of the production. A special shoutout to La Grenouille for her fabulous French accent and her wicked green hair - truly magnifique! The children were a joy to watch, bringing excitement and a real sense of fun to the show. Your dedication and enthusiasm shone through, making the production even more special. A huge well done to everyone involved… you were all fantastic!

There were so many wonderful moments throughout the show that it’s impossible to mention them all, but here are a few standout highlights. Your rendition of ‘Cell Block Tango’ was a real treat, with the wonderfully entertaining ‘Kevin’. The tap-dancing unicorn was a brilliant and unexpected addition that brought so much joy to the performance. The ‘Come on Eileen’ gag had me in stitches - it was perfectly timed and absolutely hilarious.

The hand-painted backdrops and staging were absolutely lovely, bright, and beautifully crafted, adding a wonderful depth to the production. The costumes were perfectly suited to each character, with my personal favourites being those of Fairy Laura Norder and Prince Roland.

The lighting was incredibly professional and very impressive; I was especially amazed when I learned that the lighting technician is only 16 - such remarkable talent! The sound was a bit quiet at times, and I believe there was an issue with the microphones at one point, but this in no way detracted from the overall quality of the singing. Every element of the production came together to create an unforgettable experience.

I had the pleasure of meeting the wonderful director, Allie, and it was immediately apparent how much she enjoyed working with the entire cast and crew. Her passion and commitment were evident in every aspect of the production, and her vision was brought to life beautifully by the talented group she led. It was clear that her dedication played a huge role in making this performance such a success.

Thank you so much for inviting me to your fantastic pantomime. I had a truly enjoyable evening and it was a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful performance. I’m already looking forward to next year’s production!

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