Sleeping Beauty

The writers’ update of this famous story made it a winner.  The panto swung into action with the action of three fairies combatting the evil machinations of the Witch. Likeable and funny Fairy Claribel (Lucy Andrew), charming and sensible Fairy Flora (Tracy Allan) and powerful and quick thinking Fairy Stardust (Dale Henry) took on the might of scheming and vengeful Witch (Helen Roxburgh) who made a wonderful scary villain. Matched in evil plotting with her was The Prime Minister (Daniel Baillie) of the echoing evil laugh. His scariness was alleviated by the children latching on to his catch-line and shouting it back to him and by the cavalier head slapping treatment meted out to him by the irrepressible duo of Chester (Stewart Borthwick) and Nanny Dolly (Derek Easton).  Amiable Chester worked on and drew the youngsters’ responses along with the outrageous Nanny Dolly. The ready repartee and slapstick warmed the audience and the one-liners and antics were appreciated by bairns and adults. They loved the kitchen scene with the ever growing cake mix!  This version gave other characters more edge: the bumbling and affectionate King (John Coe) against a waspish but sensible Queen (Jeanna Connell) gave the panto more depth as they combatted the evil against their daughter Princess Aurora (Michelle Weston). She was more feisty than usual and her love affair with Prince Michael (Claire Wilson) more believable, likewise his championing of her. Their duet in Act 1 was beautifully sung and a real showstopper.  The Villagers (Chorus) sang and moved well from the opening and came across as integral to events. The choreography interpreted the words of the songs and involved some nifty footwork and was evident in the display of scenes like where Chester and Nanny Dolly fell asleep over the Prime minister- very satisfying- and a well- rehearsed sword scene. Special effects worked well from the shooting fireworks to the spectacular fluorescent scene which drew deserved applause.  Songs were apt and topical, musicians supportive, and sound unobtrusive. Visually the sets appealed and costumes were stylish and colourful. Nanny Dolly’s made her every entrance and the horns and make-up of The Witch established her role. The panto was a successful sum of its parts and gave the audience a festive glow as they exited. Well done to all.

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