SLEEPING BEAUTY

Pantomime season is about glamour, glitz, colour, fun, a modern musical score and great comedy. Add to the mix a formidable principal line up fast moving clever stagecraft performed by a hugely talented cast and you have all the ingredients for a thoroughly enjoyable show. In all respects this met that criterion.

The story in part was almost incidental though a clever script followed the story and introduced a number of hugely entertaining characters, appealing to children of all ages.

An opening scene in the mythical country of Ballysilly to the 2014 hit “Happy”, just one of many super pieces of music, quite quickly introduced the characters. As the wicked ‘Zelda’ (Joanna Hughes) gave a superbly sinister performance, particularly with her sidekick Spaldrick played by John Birchley.

A series of costume changes with increasing vibrancy in colour and design gave David Hatfield as ‘Dame Dotty Doorite’ the opportunity to work the audience to huge effect in a performance of wonderful comedy including scenes with the ‘Court Jester/MI5 agent’  played with great aplomb by Chris Wiltshire.

In their role at ‘King and Queen of Ballysilly’ Andy and Melanie Brown were every bit the regal pair in a performance of majesty and royal presence in suitable costume throughout the whole story. Doug Millington-Smith and Sarah Laird as the ‘Prince’ and ‘Princess’ were a joy watch and listen to.

James Cowlishaw, as the ornithological keeper of the royal pigeons ‘Feathers’ gave a performance which grew and grew on the audience as the bird like character displayed body language to hysterical effect. This included co-ooooing sounds inviting the audience to join in each time that his pigeon ‘Lightning’ was enticed to return home. Very funny indeed!

Jo Lush in her role as the narrator gave an entertaining performance each time appearing in a different costume. Other notable performances came from Matt Jeffrey and Paul Addis as the Guards ‘Gordon’ & ‘Graham’ and Glynn Diggett as ‘Victor’.

The ensemble Townsfolk, delightful fairies and all the children on stage in song, dance and excellent stagecraft deserve full credit for their part in making this the entertaining show that the audience enjoyed so much. Enhanced by a well-chosen hugely appealing musical score with which all on stage handled extremely well this was another winner from The Norbury Players.

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

 

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