Sleeping Beauty

The professional panto season might have mostly finished but not so in the amateur world as the family and I headed off to Eynsford Village Hall ready with our ‘boos’ and ‘it’s behind you’ for this traditional but updated 'Sleeping Beauty.'

A lot of the action took place in front of curtains but when the whole stage was revealed the sets were bright and colourful enhanced by well thought out lighting. Principals and chorus sang well, accompanied by a quintet led by MD Peter Nicholson who provided a not overpowering sound I’m pleased to say! Costumes were colourful and the choreography was well executed and suitable for all cast members adults and children alike.

The opening scene introduced us to the three fairies, Lilac (Heidi Phillpott), Lavender (Donna Atkins) and Lupin known as Loopy (Lynda Newton) who unfortunately had difficulty speaking in rhyme to make her spells work. Lynda played this part to the full with her antics, displaying a different ‘wand’ every time she appeared. Leading the way was Jen Gosnell as Harry the Jester, an exuberant bouncy portrayal maintained at a lively pace all the way, creating a perfect foil for comedy partner Lee Bentley, a larger-than-life nanny Winnie. Olivia Bentley as Princess Rose, was all a princess should be and perfectly matched with Katie Aitchison as the dashing Prince William. Ferne Haxby as the evil Deadly Nightshade, super in all aspects of her performance and ably assisted by Lorraine Slipper as Snivel, her put upon servant. I must mention Charlie Webb who sang a solo as the Cannibal Chief as well as taking on two other roles – what a confident young man with great stage presence.

The ensemble scenes were vibrant and lively, with every cast member fully committed to their role, adding to the overall charm and energy of the production. The near capacity audience participation was high, with enthusiastic responses to the classic panto prompts and plenty of laughter throughout the performance. The clever use of traditional panto elements, juxtaposed with modern twists, kept the show fresh and engaging. Overall, Director Ben Newton’s production of Sleeping Beauty was a delightful experience, showcasing the talent and passion of the Riverside Players. It was a testament to the enduring appeal of pantomime and its ability to bring communities together to enjoy timeless stories with a contemporary flair.

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