Sleeping Beauty

The annual children’s play performed by Codsall Dramatic Society is always a pleasure to attend and this year was no different.

Nathan Coley as Dogwood started the performance and with his energy and enthusiasm grabbed the attention of the audience with immediate effect. Wearing some very impressive elf ears and with a very infectious smile I knew that this was setting the standard for the whole evening.

The good fairies of Lunar, Doldrum, Solar and Honeydew (played by Brigid O’Connor, Sammie Rhead, Jackie Sherlock and Sam Kick) gave us an array of characters and lots of fun throughout. The staging for this production was in the round and these characters in particular performed to each and everyone of the audience ensuring that everyone got a good view and felt included.

The evil fairy Blackthorn (played by Nic Tidesley) and her evil side kick ‘Crow’ (played by Wayne Jones) were a great addition to the story telling. Although ‘Crow’ had limited lines he had the whole audience entertained and the physicality of his performance was a real treat to watch as he pecked his way around the stage pausing to spy the shiny sweet wrappers being unwrapped by those on the front row.

It was great to see a new interpretation of Prince Sam (played by Thommey Lilley) as the ‘moody teenager’ complete with hoodie, whose journey in the show turns him into the courageous Prince ready to place true loves kiss to awaken the beautiful Princess Brier Rose (played by Kerry Sargent) from her sleep.

The Royals, were King Ralph (Andy Cholerton), Queen Eleanor (Jayne Kelly) and Queen Raphine (Kira Squire) again well cast and well performed.

What I really like about this Children’s play is the fact that the actors playing the roles really embody their characters and act well, never dropping out of character. There is of course the occasional slapstick routine complete with foam, comedy chase and plenty of audience participation. The performers in this instance don’t need many physical properties or scenery to create the enchanted world in which they live. This in turn makes it enjoyable for children, parents and grand parents. Overall this is story telling at its best.

There was a great choice of music and sound effects to accompany the performers provided by Paul Davies and good use of lighting by Dylan Wright.  The interval cup of tea provided by the friendly front of house team made me feel like one of the CDS family.

Of course my favorite moments are seeing how engaged the children in the audience become when being invited into the performance space to join the characters for some dancing and at the end when they can ask for the autographs of Princess Brier Rose, Prince Sam, Dogwood the elf and all of the enchanted folk, making it a truly magical event.

Thank you Codsall Dramatic Society for creating memories that those children will remember into adult hood.

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