Sleeping Beauty

One of the first Pantomimes to review this year and a most enjoyable production from Abigail’s Performing Arts with a 100% sell on both performances, which in itself is a sign of how popular this society is. Lots of publicity and interest before the show encouraged audiences to buy tickets.

With a very large cast over the two shows and over 25 really young junior members on stage with ages from 3 years upwards, this was a very lively production.

In principal roles with some double casting all performed well.

I liked George Hughes interpretation of Jingling Jerry the Jester who gave his character great fun, linked with Adam Overall as Nurse Nelly Nutmeg both were very natural and at ease on stage and involved the audience in all the fun.

Adam sung very well, and generally lead the company in many chorus numbers and really was the mainstay throughout the show with some clever ad libs here and there to keep the action going.

The part of Fairy Forget Me Not was sweetly played by Saffron Hewitt who was a very graceful fairy as well as being rather scatty and forgetful. I enjoyed Saffron’s interpretation very much.

Princess Rose played by Daisy Rusdale looked just right in this part. Daisy did tend to speak her dialogue quite quickly which fitted the style she presented.

Prince Christopher who came to rescue Rose was played by Phillip Wallace who looked good and did well in his role with good connection with the audience as well.

I really loved the character of Malicia played so well by Eleanor Rice. Full on with her Wicked Witch style and a great rapport with the audience. All her actions and dialogue so well timed and clever. Well done Eleanor!

So many other characters in this production and impossible to name them all but Emma Theedom deserves a mention as King Rowan of Floribunda as do all the flower fairies and the many children who entered in to all the action and generally had a great time. They all did so well and the society should be very proud for all the hours put in to train them all.

Musical Director Robert Turner and his band did so well with some great sound and support to the cast. Terrific Guitar break from ( I hope this name is correct) Tom Lonton.

The production team here is huge and covers all aspects of the production Great work from Abigail as Director and well done to Saffron and Natalie for the great choreography, also Assistant Directors Emma and Emily, and all the ladies on Costumes which were superb.

Lighting and sound very good and I must also commend the Chaperones who did a fantastic job with the children.

Thank you for your warm welcome which was appreciated. I will be back next year albeit not as the NODA Representative but as a supporter and friend. Congratulations to you all.         

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.