Sleeping Beauty

Pantomime arrives at the Eppic Theatre as High Green MTG once again light up the stage with their take on the old established ‘Sleeping Beauty’. A society that continues to entertain their supportive audiences but more importantly retain a very loyal membership, sadly lacking with some groups. Both on and off stage the family commitment shows through. See the programme where sons and daughter, Mums and Dads all feature. How special that High Green continue that level of support as we acknowledge today’s young performers are tomorrow’s principals.

The set simple but effective and props only used depicting certain scenes, however when the direction is performed to a high standard you don’t need set pieces distracting. The whole production team should be so proud of the result, the cast clearly taking on board all the direction given along with some really well performed musical numbers.

Caraboss performed by Lyndsay Lindley, the baddy of the piece along with her side kick, Wings performed by Jasmin Milner. Two strong actors who certainly got the ‘boos’, Lindley with such clarity and evil often with her words echoed by Milner along with plenty of visual reactions to the audience from her. They also gave life and devilment to their duet of ‘I’m so Evil’. Not content with one good fairy but in this production three. Fairy Cakes by Laura Hall, Fairy Lights by Becki Gregory and Fairy Nuff by Lily Hutchinson who we saw on Monday, this part being shared alternatively with Seth Johnson. I really enjoyed how Hall and Gregory showed true fairy Godmother moments, kindness and calm whilst the way Hutchinson cleverly got her rhymes mixed up added to your combined performances. I’m sure Seth Johnson will be just as polished when being part of this threesome. All three involved in many of the musical numbers delivered really well.

 Prince Philip, a part being shared between Gracie Lisle and Eliza Clarke. We saw Gracie Lisle who gave a very competent performance, lots of memorable scenes whilst falling for the Princess, full of the usual pantomime asides and classic thigh slaps, a part well delivered. The Princess Aurora by Lylah Gregory, another well performed role, clear diction, lovely singing and tender moments with Prince Philip. I must mention the hilarious rendering of ‘So Happy Together ‘performed by the Prince, Princes and Wings, brilliantly produced and acted out whilst continuing singing. You must have had such fun doing it. The Handmaiden being shared by Eliza Lambert and Drew Edwards, The Queen by Emma Andrews, Briar by Shelley Edwards and Roase by Madie Goodhand,  individual cameo roles along with involvement in full ensemble numbers, ‘Come Alive ‘being one of many. The Queen with some memorable scenes with Princess, well delivered.

This pantomime had all the usual content, the baking scene, the singalong, the ghost scene  but however  good the script is you need a Pantomime Silly Billy, in this instance Chuckles by Josh Milner , larger than life , totally daft and committed with the ability to encourage audience participation, you had all that and more, acting through song, interactions with the audience and scene after scene with various characters not least with Nurse Tickles by Jonney Glaves.. So many memorable moments filled with humour and brilliant comedic timing. Jonney Glaves, the man in a dress, what a great performance throughout, you certainly know how to deliver, so many visual interactions with cast and audience alike. Your asides with the chosen audience member hilarious.

Rachel Marshall and Peter Piper along with the remaining production team gave so much life to this brilliantly pacey production, a perfect case of less is more, no scenes too long, plenty of great numbers and comedy a plenty. Along with the aforementioned scenes the High Green version of the Red Arrows but in their case the Red Wheelbarrows !!! what a cleverly orchestrated scene. How special to see so many youngsters involved within the excellent ensemble who clearly were enjoying every moment.

The sound and lighting was excellent and the colour and flair with all the costumes absolutely lit up the stage.

I genuinely thank you for a really memorable evening, I smiled and laughed all the way through as did your sold-out audience.

 I feel your recently departed President, Harvey King, is watching over you all with the biggest pantomime smile. You certainly continue his dedication to High Green MTG and excel in this current production.

Thank you for the warm welcome we always receive and best wishes for your remaining shows.

 

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