Sleeping Beauty

This 1988 pantomime version of “The Sleeping Beauty” by Norman Robbins is a traditional interpretation including a Prince and Princess, a good versus evil element, a dame and a small number of distinctive characters.

First we meet the good element being Bluebell, Willow and Rosebud (Jordan Bamford, Eva Payton-White and Zarina Danaeva) who introduce us to the Royal family and throughout attempt to thwart the evil Carabosse (H Reeves). The evil witch was convincingly played and booing and hissing was in abundance by all the children at this performance whenever he appeared.  The three fairies were sprite-like and delicate and like all fairies, always spoke in rhyme.  The Royals to whom we were introduced were King Cedric (Frank Horsly), Queen Semolina (Lou Yeo) and Princess Aurora (Kim Logan). These parts were played straight with a dithery King, a bossy Queen and an enchanting Princess.  Fusspot (Liz Gibson), the Lady Chamberlain who certainly lived up to her name was the only courtier who tried to keep order over the complicated proceedings. Tickles and Dame Ammonia Goodbody (Giles Newlyn-Bowmer and Ian Bishop) were the long time engaged comedy pair in the Royal palace - Tickles was the reluctant one. The two heralds, Shout and Bawl (Mark Beard and Rachel Darby) also gave us some duo comedy with their several scenes together. Prince Valiant (Sam Clements), although an important part of the plot did not appear very much but had a lovely duet with the Princess Aurora.       

The teenage team and  children team entertained us with some well performed choreography. The adult chorus added a lot of strength to the ensemble singing. The thirty-four year old script was enhanced by the inclusion of some more up-to-date music. A lot of thought and effort had gone into the bright and cheerful scenery and the costumes were also very cheerful and very apt for the main characters.

Well done to all involved - on stage, back stage and production team.        

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