Sleeping Beauty
Information
- Date
- 18th December 2024
- Society
- Attic Theatre
- Venue
- Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Scott Jamieson
- Musical Director
- Craig McDermott
- Choreographer
- Sarah MacNay
- Producer
- Tom Forbes
Once again Attic Theatre turned to the talented Scott Jamieson to write and direct their annual pantomime – which was up to his usual extremely high standards. Full of the usual characters associated with this well know fairy tale, plenty of local references, corny jokes and slapstick the audience were fully invested in the show from the opening chorus to the rousing finale. Scott cleverly introduced a new character to the piece The Narrator to keep the story on track. This was deliciously campily played by Calum Runcie in an inimitable gossipy style. His interactions with Nurse Norma (who was the only character who could see and hear him) were a delight. Steven Reid was excellent once again as the wonderfully over-the-top Nurse Norma with her Doric “spik” eliciting much laughter. Nurse Norma was aided in her comic endeavours by her “son” the lovable Chuckles, played by the energetic Calum Ross, this was especially so in the cake baking slapstick scene. Adding to the hilarity were the capers of their loveable shaggy – but somewhat incontinent – dog Boaby played by Sam Brown. Bringing a touch of magic and sparkle to the proceedings with their shiny wings and wands were the three Fairy Godmothers - Bessie (Vikki Wibberley), Nessie (Robyn Smith) and Jessie (Andrew Reid) who used all their powers for good to overcome the dastardly spell of their sister Carabosse (aka Bossie). Samantha Gray played this character with great aplomb relishing every boo and hiss as to the manner born as she swooped around the stage in her sparkly black and purple gown. Her side-kick Dreadmore, played by Matthew Walker, did not live up to his name as he displayed a kinder side to offset his mistress’s evil. Chloe Balfour was delightful as Princess Aurora and she and Ross Robertson, as her romantic interest Prince Elphinstone, made a striking couple. Strong support was given by Jack Massie and Hannah Smith as Aurora’s parents Prince/King Don and Queen Dee. Everyone of the principals had good strong singing voices which were shown to their best in their solos and duets which included songs by The Proclaimers, Queen and Abba. The large chorus of singers and dancers sang well and were step perfect in the dance routines. The 5-piece band played extremely well and were always supportive of the singers. The set and backcloths designed by Susan Begg and Ross Brechin were stunning and were complimented by Ewan Fraser’s lighting design. The costumes were excellent and always appropriate to the character. Congratulations everyone at Attic Theatre on another superb show.
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