Sleeping Beauty

From those humble beginnings in a church hall on The Manor, Sheffield to now appearing at the iconic Sheffield City Hall in this their 39th year, a true testament to the vision of Brian Platts, Richard Foster and others that took the giant leap into the unknown when taking on the enormity of performing in a venue with almost 2000 seats. Over those 39 years performers have come and gone but the foundation laid out then continue today, performing to sell out crowds who loyally support the continued success of one of Sheffield’s well loved institutions, Manor Operatic Society. 

The width and height of the City Hall stage, the magnitude of the sets creating the scenes, the time spent negotiating with the scenery companies along with a vision to create the spectacle we continue to see annually is down to the production team of Richard Bradford and Linda Kelly, who continue to pool their many years in theatre to bring the magic alive. Whilst the basic format remains, bucket game, sing song, baking scene and more, fresh production ideas are explored and performed under their direction.

Sleeping Beauty needs no explanation, being one of the long-established pantomimes featuring the goodies and baddies, Princes and Princesses, Kings and Queens, Fairies and the Silly Billy character and of course a man in a dress. A lively ensemble and a dancing troupe all combine to fulfill the team’s vision.  Andrew Collis as MD and Evie May Bradford as Dance Captain complete the production team bringing the best out of the talented group in song and clever dance arrangements.

As tradition remains with the opening number of ‘Welcome to the Pantomime’ it’s amazing how many of the audience know exactly what to expect, clapping and singing along. Having all the above in place then requires a cast that can deliver in true panto style, larger than life, believably unbelievable, bring the audience into it at the same time by delivering clear diction and singing. The cast did just that, principals and ensemble alike.

Princess Tuiti Fruity by Georgia Ryder, a lovely character part performed to a high standard, clear diction and a lovely stage presence. Your scenes with Prince Nobblybobbly/Screwball performed by Dylan Lambert, another well performed character role ,you showed great warmth and togetherness. I particularly enjoyed your duet of ‘Hold my Hand’ along with plenty of thigh clapping tradition, finally winning the lady’s hand. Muddles McFlurry performed by Stuart Daniel-Box, what a great over the top part, your entrance as the squeaky voiced baby princess , to the song of ‘Baby Love ‘was an absolute hoot. Excellent characterization throughout, you certainly know how to inspire an audience, whilst maintaining your north of the border accent. King Cone performed by Leo Appleton and Queen Cornetto performed by Sarah Sargent, had a great entrance down the steps into ‘Everybody’ , two well performed roles, clearly delivered with true royal poise, clipped voices, some great chemistry between you. The Queen certainly had the upper hand. Fairy Sweet performed by Katie Dolling all the way from Liverpool, not once dropping out of character, a really well delivered and performed role, some great contests as you battled it out with Witch Sour along with some lovely comedic moments delivered with excellent timing. Your scenes with Fairy Sundae by Paige Benison and Fairy Sorbet by Ro Rostant along with the three of you singing ‘Dreamgirls’ was quite beautiful.

Witch Sour by Emily Mae Hoyland, you certainly know how to get the boos and jeers, a strong character part, some great scenes, The Spinning Wheel along with the excellent delivery of the end of Act 1 numbers, ‘No Good Deed’ ‘Abracadabra’ and ‘I Say No ‘all delivered with real authority. A great Witch portrayal when introducing your ‘Boss’ the Dragon’. Needless to say, you lost your powers eventually.

Ben performed by Gary Rossiter and Jerry performed by Harry Lynch-Bowers, two well performed roles feeding off each other with great timing, the excellent scene posting the letters, the delivery of ‘Everybody Needs Somebody’ , the baking scene and the alternatively costumed pantomime sing song bench.

Not forgetting the man that has more bizarre costumes than a Victorian clothing shop or visual pictures of extreme ice cream shapes, Nurse Knickers performed by Chris Hanlon, capable of excellent delivery, interacting with the audience, a really clever red buzzer moment and many more. The centre pin to so many of the classic pantomime scenes. The Baking scene, sing song panto bench, complete with the hilarious Trump and Starmer ‘ghosts’,  thinking on your feet with the unique Manor Operatic bucket game, never knowing what a child might or might not say and being quick-witted enough to respond appropriately.

The voice of the dragon, Lee Stott well done, with powerful threatening delivery.

Evie Bradford, my compliments to you and your fellow six dancers, Megan, Tillie, Isabelle, Lauren, Neve and Heidi.So many costume changes, some excellent dancing exploring movement along with incorporating tap . I really enjoyed that there were 7 of you giving many shaping options whilst maintaining balance. Clearly well thought and delivered. The ensemble all performed well clearly enjoying the many and varied scenes.

The sound from the Orchestra was very well balanced allowing the performers to be clearly heard, the lighting wonderful adding so much to all the differing scenes and the pyrotechnics carried out to the highest standard. The costumes a total joy to see,  reminding me that at this time of year we all need some sparkle and shine and this production was absolutely full of just that. A wonderful evening of pantomime entertainment.

Thank you to all the unseen backstage team sorting sets and props, assisting with costume changes and much more without whom no performance could take place.

Thank you also to the front of house team who made us so welcome,

Philip Smith

Noda NE District 6 Regional Rep

 

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