Sleeping Beauty

In my review, over the last few years ‘Sleeping Beauty’ has not been performed as often as it should.  It is a much loved fairy story and surely deserved its place among the annual array of pantomimes.

This presentation was a slightly different take on some aspects of the story with three very feisty modern fairies taking on the might of the wicked fairy Bertha Bindweed in their tussle for Princess Aurora’s future.  Aurora (Jade Bissett) and her Prince (Christy-Ann Wilson) were paired well although I would have liked the prince to cut a more heroic figure (this is not a criticism of Christy-Ann’s performance but a question about the way in which this particular character was drawn in the script – not truly a traditional depiction).  There were strong performances from Shaun and June Johnson as King Rudolph and Queen Delia most ably supported by Jospeh Lawrence as Jasper the Court Jester – their experience really shone through.  And well done to Ben Underwood – a very young dame but he played his part very confidently.  The chorus played their part too and well done to all the youngsters who sang and danced with lovely smiley faces.

The pantomime had clearly been well directed and was much enhanced by the use of a live orchestra.  The sets, lighting and costumes helped to enhance this production along with the back stage crew who worked seamlessly to keep the action moving.  The introduction of the hand of clockless to depict the passing of a hundred years was innovative and although I had some reservations about the script (I am an old traditionalist!) overall it was an interesting evening, obviously enjoyed by the audience,

Look forward to seeing you all next time.

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