Sleeping Beauty

We can guarantee Christmas is on its way when Garforth present their annual Pantomime! The pandemic may have made interruptions over the last couple of years, but here they were again on Main Street, with fun and laughter for an appreciative audience.

Their choice of 'Sleeping Beauty' was excellent - with a script by Alan P Frayn, you can be assured there is something for all ages in his witty dialogue. Producer/Director, Erin Ocsko', had assembled a small but enthusiastic group of performers and every one of them did their utmost to bring the lovely story of Princess Rose to a very happy ending. Erin did very well on such a small stage not to make it feel cluttered and gave good direction to all the performers.

Richard Sharp has moved seamlessly into the role of Musical Director, with some excellent choices of music which blended very well with the plot. The choice of 'Circle of Life' as an opening number may have seemed a bit downbeat but it was put over very well by the ensemble. Choreography was once again by Lynne Hill - it was well-rehearsed and Lynne always makes sure the cast are able to move competently.

The cast comprised of Princess Rose, played and sung sweetly, by Eleanor Price and Prince Alexis/Alexander by Rosie White, with good dialogue and voice. One thing I would advise them both is to have confidence in their performance - it's all there,  just bigger and vocally louder. Good Fairy Lilac was played by the experienced and evergreen, Elaine McAleese, charming as ever and in a lovely costume. A newcomer to the group, Isabelle Roe, played Bad Witch Hazel - looking suitably stunning in her costume and gorgeous hat - she handled the audience 'boos' with aplomb - the dialogue could have been slowed down a little - never be afraid of being too 'nasty' as the Witch!!!  Graham Oxtoby played the likeable character of Muddles - he had a good rapport with the audience - well done!  King Cactus (Ken Hill) and Queen Marigold (Barbara Hawksworth} were suitably regal and charming.

The delight of the evening was Val Johnston as Nurse Hettie Harpic - a 'female' Dame, she dominated the stage with well projected dialogue and also handled the audience rapport extremely well - she was so funny!

The comedy duo, Fetch and Carrie, were played very well by Lynne Hill and Joanne Jackson respectively - two experienced performers who worked well together with strong dialogue and voices. The 12 year old Princess Rose was played by Louisa McAleese very well - I liked the way she 'morphed' into the 16 year old Princess - it was done very well.

The Fairies - Red Fairy, Louisa McAleese, Yellow Fairy, Manina Fallas, Green Fairy, Emilia McAleese and the youngest, Blue Fairy, Erin Smith. They all worked well together, but just needed to be a bit louder in the delivery of their lines. The Chorus added very much to the performance - Neil Duff, Annette Roe and Jack Wright. May I say, the whole cast managed a very good waltz in the Ball section - lovely to see! The Speciality Dancers came once again from Kathryn Grimes and the Dorinda School of Theatre Dance - excellent in their numbers - Millie Bowling, Annie Fox, Indie Hepworth and Betsy Olroyd.

I never forget the behind-the-scenes team, without whom the show would not go on - the stalwarts of amateur theatre! Stage Manager; Andrew Oxtoby, Property Mistress; Kay Kinley, assisted by Emilia McAleese. Lighting and Sound, Adam Holmes; Music/Effects, Richard Sharp (excellent!);  Costumes, Elaine McAleese and Barbara Hawksworth; Make Up, Erin Ocsko'; Set Build, Mark Jackson, Jemma Bennett and Cast; The Prompt was Amelia Jackson - missed seeing her on stage but glad she is still involved!

And last but not least, the Front of House team, who make every audience member welcome - House Manager, Phyllis Jackson with her merry band - Carol Holmes, Judith O'Toole, Sue Sharp and Helen Smith. Programmes and Posters, Richard Sharp and Banner Design by Jemma Bennett.

You will see by the names that family members get involved not only on stage but backstage - this is to me, the real meaning of community theatre and is so good to see.

This was a charming pantomime, delivered well in all aspects - I must just mention the audience participation in the song 'The Ladies of the Harem of the Court of King Caractacus' - so hilarious!

My sincere congratulations to everyone involved in this memorable pantomine!

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