Sleeping Beauty

Opening the panto season, this was an excellent production.  It had the usual slapstick and tradition that is expected, slick, well-rehearsed, with the tempo maintained throughout.  Costumes were delightful and colourful, but it was the delivery and enjoyment given, epitomised by the appreciation of the audience, that makes for good entertainment.

There were good performances throughout, but leading the way was Katie Walford as Harry the Jester, an exuberant bouncy portrayal maintained at a lively pace all the way.  I loved Sammy Hempsall as the evil Deadly Nightshade, super in all aspects of her performance.  Vocally top notch, allied with excellent acting, first class.  She was ably assisted by Amy Bradford as Snivel, her put upon servant.  Impressive were the good fairies, in the guise of Julie Black as Fairy Lilac, Josephine Walker as Fairy Lavender and a hilarious show by Zoe Shepherd as Fairy Lupin, or should I say Fairy `Loopy`

Sam Billington made a good dame as Winnie Slaptickle, impressive in his flamboyant dresses.  Samantha Moss as Princess Rose was all a princess should be, together with Emily Mughal as Prince William they were a perfect match.    As the Harbour Master, to name but a few of her characters, Rebekah Street was terrific.  Various other parts were portrayed with great enthusiasm, and the chorus, made up of youngsters of all ages were enchanting, performing many dances with great charm.

A good set, which was slickly changed by members of the cast, and an accomplished Musical Duo added to the overall enjoyment of the panto.

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