Rumplestiltskin

I have been impressed with the variation of titles and themes for this year’s panto season, with groups using the talent that they have in house to write original scripts. I have also been warmed by the number of groups that are going from strength to strength, Attleborough Players being one of them. Following on from taking on the hugely challenging and successful Shrek the Musical last year, we were back at the Connaught Hall for a pantomime written by Vicky Barrett and Jay Coppin, based on the classic German fairytale of Rumpelstiltskin. Jay was busy serving refreshments as we entered, and we were made most welcome as we took our seats.

The set consisted of a woodland setting backdrop and used multiple decorated flats to give the impression that were in the court of the King. Props were good, as were the costumes of the large cast. Most of the cast had mics, and there were a few occasions that I struggled to pick up on some of the dialogue, although the acoustic make-up of the Connaught Hall is not an easy space to balance the sound. There were also a couple of times when some of the cast were not lit whilst on stage, but none of this detracted the audience from an energetic, colourful, and fun pantomime, culminating with the use of pyrotechnics for an impressive finale. The choreography (Chloe Cross and Lucy Norman) in this production was imaginative, full of energy, and the whole cast, including the younger members of the cast, had been drilled very well in all the company numbers.

Georgina Farrow opened proceedings as Fairy Godmother. With Fairy God Daughter Lorelei Gray close by her side, I have seen this a lot in panto this year, and it is a lovely way of introducing young performers to the stage-both smiling throughout, they were more than a match for both Jessica Sculfor, as the Witch, and Georgina Sexton, as Rumpelstiltskin- Georgina, with some great make up, was menacing throughout, this was a very good characterisation. Unusual to have 3 baddies in a panto, but here we also had King Reginald (Martin Talbot), forcing the unfortunate Emily (Tiana Cooper), to marry him against her will. Both Tiana, and her brother, Tiernan Cooper, as Jack, looked great on stage, have lovely singing voices and are ones to look out for in the future. Kim Townsend, as Prince Charming, also has good singing voice and there was a very nice duet with Tiana for the happy ending.

okes were fast flowing, especially in act two, with Martin Godfey back as Dame Hettie being the butt of many of them, then Vicky Barrett, as Fortuna Cook, providing the usual slap stick scene in the kitchen, with food flying everywhere-lots for the backstage crew to clean up afterwards! Finally, with no script, only the word “Baa” throughout, Sharon Coppin was wonderful as “Baabra Streisand” the Sheep, using only facial expression and reactions to extract every moment of comedy that she could.

With several other named parts in the panto played by younger members, the future is definitely looking bright for the Players. Apparently their next musical this year is aiming to be bigger and better than Shrek last year-I can’t wait! Well done to Director Sarah Browne and all at Attleborough Players.

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