Sleeping Beauty

As King Charles and Queen Camilla celebrate the 18th birthday of their daughter the Princess Aurora, not everyone is pleased and Carabosse the evil witch seeks revenge by placing a curse upon the child. Who will come to the rescue?

The action opens in fact with a traditional exchange between the Fairy Fabulous (Julie Merry) and Carabosse (Helen Broadfield), each holding their own well as they taunt each other whilst setting the scene. You don’t often see a tipsy Fairy, but Julie’s scene later on was very funny – very natural!

The opening company number ‘Life’s a Happy Song’ was full of enthusiasm and we meet the forgetful King well played by Mike Washbourne and Queen Camilla played by Rob Leadbeater. Rob brought great tempo and laughs to the role with some very quick changes amongst 12 fantastic costumes.

Perhaps the strongest rapport with the audience was built on the entrance of Muddles played by Oliver Roberts, whose fast and slick patter immediately struck up a strong relationship with young and old. There was also a strong partnership with Princess Aurora, played with just the right amount of sweetness by Emma May White, although sadly for Muddles they could only be good friends. The arrival of Prince Fredric played by a talented Seamus Bradford provided the instant romance with the Princess and their duet ‘Love is an open door’ was excellent with some good harmony. Frederic’s number ‘Don’t stop me now’ provided a great opportunity for the company who were also well dressed throughout.

Captain Odd- Job is one of those less glamorous panto roles, not always gaining the same level of attention but I have to say Louise Carter did an excellent job, looked great and had just the right demeanour. Carabosse had two evil side-kicks Slimeball and Stinkywart played by Barbara Washbourne and Joy Hadley, each adding to the evil fun.

Act 2 opened with Carabosse’s ‘I put a spell on you’ which gave another opportunity for the company and in particular for the Amelia K Academy dancers to show off their acrobatic skills. Act 2 generally went up a level with some great song choices; ‘Somewhere’ sang by Frederic, ‘I can hear the Bells’, well sang by Princess Aurora and possibly the funniest number in the show ‘If I was not upon the stage’ involving most of the principals.

Maximum use was made of an extended stage area with some stunning back cloths, some well-timed sound effects and well-placed lighting. The backing music worked well and did not overwhelm the cast which I was pleased about.

I’m not surprised the audience were queueing at the door before the doors opened and director Jake Heaton and all involved are to be congratulated.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.