Sleeping Beauty
Information
- Date
- 17th January 2025
- Society
- Friendship Theatre Company Llanelli
- Venue
- Ffrwnes Theatre, Llanelli
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Dean Verbeeck
- Musical Director
- Andrew Harries
- Choreographer
- Melanie Sullivan
It was my 3rd visit to Friendship Theatre Group following on from Peter Pan, Beauty & The Beast and tonight - Sleeping Beauty. We all know this story so I don’t think I need to explain that!
I always have expectations because their productions are always high quality but tonight was just another level! In an unusual twist I’ve decided to not single one or two particular cast members (listed below) out because in all honesty, they were all great. Perfectly cast, brilliant vocals, character & delivery. Sean Davies-Jaynes is like a celebrity in Llanelli and his entrance to the Panto just sums up friendship theatre group perfectly - expect the unexpected! I won’t spoil it for anyone who reads this before seeing the Panto but you’ll have a blast. (That’s my only mention of specific cast as I don’t want Sean to soak me next year).
Princess Aurora - Elysia Coates
Prince Fredrick - Ian Roach
Silly Sean - Sean Davies - Jaynes
Dame Penelope Peacock - Richard Burman
Fairy Moonbeam - Rhian Lynne-Lewis
Fairy Sunlight - Daniella Difede
Fairy Stardust - Nathan WR
Maleficent - Greg Arthur
Metamorph - Stephen McDermid
King Henry - Mark Warren
Technically, I am just in awe of what this team deliver. It’s not just very good, there were many occasions I just sat there thinking to myself this is ridiculous and forgetting I was sat watching an amateur pantomime. From the lighting and sound, to AV & special effects this production was spectacular. Again, I won’t mention specifics but once seen never forgotten. Costume was amazing and I must talk about the creatives - Dean (Writer & Director), Andrew (MD) & Melanie (Choreographer). It takes a special team to deliver something like this. Dean's scripts are never too much and I also liked the “blue” element that wasn’t blue. Keeping the adults entertained without crossing the line takes skill and very good writing ability, delivered superbly by the cast.
The band, led by Andrew Harries were very tight, extremely well balanced and added that quality touch needed for this yearly event. The song choices were excellent, relevant and I loved the arrangements. Choreographed by Melanie Sullivan, the dancers gave every bit of energy they could muster, enthusiastically joined by the younger dancers who were just so on it and clearly loving every minute.
I can’t think of enough superlatives for this production and wish I could talk more about what I loved about it but it’ll give too much away. Given they still have a week to go, I wanted to finish this by saying- Friendship Theatre Group, whatever you’re doing keep doing it. The care, love, attention to detail within your company is very evident. You are the perfect example of commitment & passion and it is an honour to be your NODA Rep. See you next year!
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