Sleeping Beauty
Information
- Date
- 12th January 2023
- Society
- Broxbourne Theatre Company
- Venue
- Spotlight Theatre Broxbourne
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Malcolm Hollow
- Musical Director
- Joanna Pierce
- Choreographer
- Wendy Couldridge
A lively opening, plenty of smiles and energy, which lasted throughout the production. Good to see a well-drilled cast, suitable choreography to suit all abilities, and some very nicely sung numbers.
I was impressed overall with the standard of the pantomime, considering that the storyline was short and tenuous, necessitating much filling in, however this gave us a chance to appreciate the Jason Kids, who performed several numbers expressively and impeccably, I particularly liked the ‘Rats’ sequence, and the ensemble in general. I felt the pace dropped a bit in Act 2, but this was outweighed by the fun feel from the cast.
Lighting was good, as was sound, and I thought the costumes looked fresh and colourful. There were a couple of costumes I had a slight issue with – Billy (the Butler’s) opening costume bore no resemblance to his character, which left me wondering who he was and why he looked rather out of place, after that his costumes were good I would also have liked to see Queen Dorothy in a couple more costume changes, but appreciate this might not have been possible within the costume budget Very good cat costumes and makeup.
Elaine Miller (Billy), created a nice lively character, good projection, and plenty of energy.
David Cousins (King Norbert) and Andy Kirtley (Queen Dorothy) were a good couple, and played well off each other, I enjoyed their repartee, and Andy’s interaction with the audience. David rattled off his daughter’s very long name extremely well, I was very impressed.
Helen Brooks (Carabosse) looked the part in black and sparkly green, giving us a good baddy we enjoyed booing! Sarah Earl (Spindleshanks) her familiar, was very lively and cheeky.
Charlotte Bacon (Kitty) was a charming Palace cat, who danced and mimed beautifully, with good expression.
Olivia Dyson (Princess Aurora) and Carly Cousins (Prince Orlando) were a good couple, plenty of attraction between them, and some very well-sung duets and solos. I was pleased to see the more sentimental songs were kept short and snappy!
Louise Kirtley (Fairy Peaceful) led the fairy troupe very well with authority, while Sadie May Jones (Fairy Graceful), Jen Watkins (Fairy Beautiful) and Leah Darrington (Fairy Thoughtful) all looked appealing and carried out their duties with aplomb. Lovely costumes.
A very enjoyable evening, and I felt the whole Society had really stepped up to the plate, giving us a fun pantomime with good performances.
My thanks to BTC for their hospitality.
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