Sleeping Beauty and the Daleks

Once again I must applaud and congratulate all in the backstage team for the concept and excellently constructed and painted sets, Blakeney really does have some talents in that department. And those Daleks, in pink, were amazing and life size to hold the three dancers and almost better than the originals (understand the SM John Seymour had to join the Doctor Society) and should definitely be sold on if possible rather than being exterminated.

When a production is written and directed for a specifically named cast to bring out all talents, then one can anticipate the star-studded realisations under the mantle of Ralph Wiggins, and we were not disappointed as all reached their full potential and entertained in great style whether in comedy, song or dance. Plus the tuneful ‘music in the pit’.

With two kingdoms, Carminia and Viridium, plus Coldheart Castle and an Enchanted Forest (with those trees), and of course the Daleks from far away, there created a plethora of characters for the mainly traditional but slightly different story: 2 totally different style Heralds in Roger Coombe and Martyn Scott, 3 Minstrels in Merle Hooke and Steve Benson with Alison Mawson (so making opportunity for the ‘Steve song’), and obviously 2 Royal Families. Wandering in and out of the story, Dave Long kept us all abreast of the story and linked these two families: Jennie Blowers and Dave Buckley managed the wilful Jean (Jess Tutt) whilst Sam Duncan and Iain Mawson despaired over the ‘iron man’ and lively Peter Franklin in playful mode as Cecil. Magic from song and dance specialists and fairies Michelle Cobbett and Marjorie Davies plus the evil of Sue Matthews and icy Katie Hoxley all added to the multitude of named roles who had their moment of glory. And very necessary to add all the comedy touches both traditional jokes and the bizarre and different twisted humours which go with a Blakeney pantomime with such timing.

However, above all, Blakeney is a team effort with the large cast (not all mentioned) all participating with energy and enthusiasm and very slick routines to add to the principals story: we enjoyed (as expected) the big opening song and dance number, the tap routine which is essential as a part of Blakeney, and extra for Daleks, the finales to each act which involved the company en masse in colourful costumes and in full voice.

What a great evening we all enjoyed, no wonder that every production sold out.

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