Sleeping Beauty

As I approached the entrance to this intimate theatre there was a throng of people queueing for seats and programmes and several excited children were arriving for the matinee performance of Sleeping Beauty. This society hadn’t produced a pantomime for two years but was clearly popular with the local community, with no seats left vacant that I could see. Whilst the front of House staff was very busy supporting individuals and showing them to their seats in the auditorium, I was given a very warm welcome by the president of this society.

Act 1 opened with an introduction by Fairy Powda (Kat Turner), who introduced the audience to each of the characterful fairies, Fairy Nuff (Mim Emmas); Fairy Cake (Sadie Harvey); Fairy Liquid (Liv Lutner); and the youngest of them all, wearing an L plate longing to attain her wings, was Lacey Harries, who endeared herself to the audience as Fairy Lights. Behind a gauze we were able to view Princess Rose as a babe in the cradle with the King and Queen.

This was the retelling of the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty but not quite as we know it, for there was no prince. Her love interest was Freddy (Kat George), the son of Dame Gloria Gladrags (Jon Edwards). A curse is placed on the young princess and we are told she will prick her finger on a spinning wheel on her 18th birthday and die. It’s not all doom and gloom though when the spell placed by Evil Eena (Rosie Parrington), is amended slightly so she will not die but instead fall into an enchanted sleep for 100 years. However, only true love’s kiss will be able to wake her from her slumber, and this pressure falls to ‘Freddy’.

This production had all we’ve come to know in a good pantomime, good and bad jokes, colourful costumes, audience participation, slapstick and song and dance routines with upbeat tunes. This production was musically rich, the band created a great sound and there were some notable quality musical numbers which were entertaining and demonstrated some strong vocals. The director (Susie McLaughlin ) secured a terrific cast and the actors were extremely good at embracing their roles, each bringing their own brand of fun. Graham Edwards and Alison Smith worked well together as the King and Queen of their realm. Princess Rose (Jess Keir) was well cast in the leading role and showed loads of confidence. Rosie Parrington, as Evil Eena, lapped up the boos from the audience with her villainous role and nailed the right amount of wickedness and malevolence with this character. One remarkable highlight of her performance was her powerful rendition of Skyfall, which brought Act 1 to a dramatic close, it was indeed a commanding delivery. Dame Gloria Gladrags was superbly played by Jon Edwards who donned ridiculous and colourful costumes once more. He is an impressive performer who could really belt out a song like ‘Mama,’ from Chicago; and engage the entire audience, young and older, with his banter, silly jokes, and comic timing. He had his own unique stage presence and a style that is natural. Kate George characterised the role of Freddy with energy. Her musical numbers were strong and entertaining; her singing, a joy!

Colin Whitfield played the Lord Chamberlain effectively with just the right amount of humour and together with Lee Shingler, who was well cast as George, established a good rapport with the audience. Sarah Moore and Allen Sproule played brilliantly, ‘Egg,’ and ‘Spoon,’ respectively This comic pair were immense fun clowning around and delighting the audience. The supportive ensemble was well cast and this included Elwood Glover as Teddy, and the fairies, who worked well together, with Mim Emmas giving a delightful performance.

With regard to the setting, the flats were colourful. Cloths and props, as well as the bright costumes created the correct panto feeling. Lighting and Sound were constant and good throughout.

The overall quality of the live music and the vocals was undoubtedly the highlight of this performance. Well executed routines like, ‘Bring me Sunshine,’ ’It’s in her Kiss,’   and,’ Never too Late,’ were uplifting.

The cast had a great time and this enthusiasm rippled out to the audience. Congratulations to all the cast and crew. Thank you for inviting me.

 

 

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