Sleeping Beauty

A traditional pantomime is what we have come to expect from Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society and this year was no exception. Well-chosen scenery, an accomplished lighting plot and good quality sound all underpinned the confident cast line up and enthusiastic chorus. Expertly directed by Malcolm Hollow, this production had all aspects covered, from rats in the washing machine to a song that everyone could join in with in the audience participation number, to outrageous costumes and giant size pyrotechnics. All this achieved with a well-disciplined stage crew.

Under the experienced baton of Andy Merrifield, musical numbers were well chosen and confidently sung with secure harmonies and imaginative interpretations by both the principals and the chorus.

The opening number, “Get On Your Feet” was perfect to start off the performance and fronted by the energetic “Billy”, played by  Elaine Miller. Characterizations was just right and timing excellent. This comedy actress never fails to commit 110%.

King Norbert (David Cousins) was well cast, coping brilliantly with the copious amount of alliteration in the script and his matching with Jim Markey as Queen Dorothy gave us the perfect performing pair. Comedic timing was good and I particularly enjoyed the Dreamland Medley.

Jim Markey tested his audience to see just how far he could take them with complete confidence and finding their level showed his true talent as a panto dame. Such fun!!!

Sandra Rowley was a very believable “Kitty”. Good feline movements and facial expressions. You obviously worked hard to develop this character, well done.

Natasha Easton was every little girl’s idea of a good fairy, “Fairy Peaceful”. Diction was clear and well- paced and fairy dress perfect. I loved the shoes!

Fairy Graceful (Ester Clark), Fairy Beautiful (Jasmine O’Shea) and Fairy Thoughtful (Ella Lambert) all delivered their dialogue clearly but you all looked quite stern at times and I wanted you to smile a little more. The fairy dresses in beautiful pastel shades needed a softer coloured shoe to complement the look. For me, the black character shoes were too harsh a contrast.

Julia Markey as the evil fairy Carabosse, had great fun with this part and worked with her audience well. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” was one of my stand-out moments and vocals and harmonies with Amelia Acheson (Spindleshanks) were great. 

 Amelia Acheson (Spindleshanks) Carabosse’s familiar, a black cat, is a very talented young actress who will learn many theatrical skills from the experienced actors and actresses around her. I enjoyed her performance and will follow her progress with interest. Congratulations.

Hannah Juggins was well cast as Princess Aurora. There was a very natural naivety about her performance which suited the characterization very well. Diction and vocals good.

Carly Cousins made the perfect Prince Orlando. She has a very clear understanding of how traditional “principal boys” should be played and she never fails to deliver. “The Impossible Dream” was sung with just the right amount of passion and her stance, stage presence and interaction with other members of the cast demonstrated a clear understanding of the art of pantomime.

Sets were well chosen and I enjoyed the kitchen scene with the over- sized oven and washing machine although perhaps they could have been made use of a little more. Slap-stick will always be a winner for me.

Lighting was very good with no dark areas and the beginning of Act Two was very atmospheric. 

Choreography suited the cast with some lively footwork well executed. 

Although I found the script a little “wordy” at times, it was never- the-less, a great panto for children and aren’t we all children at heart!

I had a lovely evening and I thank you once again for your hospitality and I hope to see you again soon.

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