Sleeping Beauty

This production, brilliantly written and directed by John Clark & Andrew Hewitt (based on an original script by Dart & Leaf), was truly professional from start to finish.

With brilliant costumes from Molly Limpets Theatrical Emporium Ltd,  Bingley Amateurs, Maureen Williams School of Dance and York Theatre Royal, and scenery by Scenic Projects Ltd, the whole effect of this production was simply spectacular!

I was privileged to be in the audience on the opening night of the panto run – the whole cast exuded energy, confidence and enthusiasm.  This production would not be out of place in any West End Theatre.

In the title role was Lois Brook as Princess Aurora, partnered by her “suitor” Harry Hodge as Prince Rupert.  They both have stunning singing voices and superb stage presence.  Their musical numbers were delivered with such confidence and expertise.

Hannah Green was outstanding as Maleficent – evil in every which way.  She too has an amazing singing voice with fabulous stage presence.

Joey Wilby as Willy (The Court Everything) was simply superb – his comedy timing never missed a beat – he is clearly very much “at home” on stage, and I wish him all the best in his new adventure attending musical theatre school in London.  Upstagers loss is very much London’s’ gain!

Superb supporting roles also came from the 3 beautiful fairies – Harriet Dibb as Fairy Emmeline, Lily Normington at Fairy Evangeline and Alycia Booth as Fairy Jessamine.  This trio worked so well together – and each of them look absolutely stunning in their fabulous costumes.

Tom Wood at King Septimus VII, Katherine Griffiths as Queen Sybil, Lewis Day as King Norbert of Dinghamshire and Sam Webster as Kevin the guard all contributed their brilliant characterisations to the panto – each and every one of them giving such a professional performance.

Particular mention must go to Paula the Polar Bear...well done Emma-Victoria Smith for bringing us such a cute performance in what must have been a difficult costume to wear!

Nanny Nora, Princess Aurora’s lovable nanny, was brilliantly played by Elliot Broadfoot.  From start to finish, the energy of this young man was incredible and he kept the audience in fits of laughter from start to finish.  His musical numbers were superbly delivered – and he completely “dazzled” in every single outfit (of which there were many!).  Elliot is another member of the Upstagers Family who is leaving the flock to embark upon a new life in London – Elliot, you are an outstanding performer and deserve to go far!  As with Joey, Upstagers loss is very much London’s gain!!!

It was fantastic to see the cast of well over sixty people (ranging from the “Tinies All Stars/Dream team” to the “senior dancers”) singing and dancing effortlessly with such energy and enthusiasm.  The choreography by Megan Crowley was fabulous and just kept effervescing throughout the performance.

The Midnight Melodies Band, under the musical direction of Phil Walsh were excellent - playing a superb selection of musical numbers which went down a treat with the audience.

Sound and special effects were superbly supplied by John Trenouth, and great lighting effects from Laura Thompson and her team.

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