Sleeping Beauty

Christmas is long gone, but panto season for amateur companies is still in full-swing and this year HIADS brought us Sleeping Beauty, with a strong script by Ben Crocker, and Laura Duncan making her debut as Director. As we sat waiting for the curtains to open, we didn’t realise what a treat we had in store.

The simple set of flats and projected backdrops were most effective, enhanced by Ian Pratt’s clever lighting design, giving great atmosphere especially to the effect of a forest growing around the palace. The costume team (Sue Finn, Linda Macdonald, Christine Thomas and Barbara Upton) had excelled themselves with a fabulous array of sumptuous and colourful costumes. Makeup and wigs were also very good.

Director Laura Duncan has chosen an excellent cast for this panto, all brimming with confidence and style. Daren Cooper was perfect for the comic role of Billy, quickly getting the audience cheering and welcoming him on stage. He coped admirably with any mishaps that came along, showing an innate sense of humour and stage presence. David Ellis was splendidly regal as King Norbert, with Gary Doe taking on the Dame role (Queen Dorothy or Dotty) with consummate ease and style – another actor who can interact very naturally with an audience. Daisey Hearne made a nicely sparky Princess Aurora, accompanied by Sophie Rowsell as a very slinky and feline Kitty. Aurora's handsome love interest, Prince Orlando, was played with great style by Leo Noble, who coped admirably with his ‘invisible’ sword and a costume malfunction!

Every panto needs the forces of evil to defeat and here Kate Peters was on top form as Carabosse the evil fairy, in an amazing costume and headdress (I loved the addition of a mob cap to the points of the horns!) She made a wonderful antagonist, with every word and movement totally in character. Spindleshanks, her cat, was played so well by Jack Boulton - a really charismatic and endearing performance. Pitted against Carabosse was not one, but four good fairies played by Gill Harvey-Whitten, Lesley Marshall, Chloe Hearne and Jo McHugh, all beautifully attired with wings and sparkly wands – how could Carabosse possibly succeed?

It was great to have the youngsters in the show, all making a good contribution, though I did think they could have been allowed to stand at the front for the curtain call. I must particularly commend the young lad who had the presence of mind to pick up the egg that was rolling around the stage, preventing it from becoming a distraction. It was also great to see a slapstick slosh scene – so many groups avoid them because of the mess they make – and the mouse in the flour sack was a great addition.

Sound effects and the quality of the music accompanying the singing were good (James Wood) and the head mics helped us hear every word. I loved the way the foyer had been transformed ready for the interval, with subdued lighting, decorated tables and ‘forest’ sheets at the windows – a thoughtful touch.

I’ve seen a number of good pantos so far this season, but this production was a real stand-out because of its quality and the fun we all had. Dropped lines, invisible props and a sticking curtain were handled with aplomb and they all added to the fun of the evening. You would never have known this was Laura Duncan’s first foray into Directing. She chose a strong and confident cast and steered them well to an outstanding production. I hope we see more of her work very soon.

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