Sleeping with Beauty (Adult Panto)

What a very warm welcome I received when I attended KatsAct’s Adult Panto, Sleeping with Beauty last night. The village hall was buzzing with expectant panto goers and the bar was overflowing, always a good sign. 

The flats at the back of the stage were painted with a castle design all neatly linked together and the two side flats depicted the forest and Carabitch’s lair. Well done to Penelope Picken and her team for the set design and painting.

Director, Katherine Foxworthy, utilised the restricted acting space well by bringing her cast down into the main body of the hall by way of central steps leading from the stage and positioning the audience facing inwards instead of the traditional formation facing the stage. This worked well.

The opening number, “Come Alive” was a great start to the evening and got everyone in the mood. 

Jessica Kolthammer as Princess A’Whora interacted well with every member of the 7 strong cast. Vocals were musical and in time with the click tracks, not easy with an audience who also want to sing along!!

Stephanie Lawson worked really hard as Joker Muddles. She used the acting space well and “Muddles Mucky Alphabet” was expertly delivered. Congratulations. 

Lauren Easton as Prince Albert had a good stage presence and vocals were clear and diction excellent. Very good interaction with the audience.

Cathy Coulthard made an excellent baddie, Carabitch. The audience was worked confidently, and delivery and intonation were on pointe. She gave the impression of really enjoying playing this part.

Dan Weiss again utilised the acting space well and had a great connection with his audience. Playing the dame is never easy first time round but Queen Labia seemed very at ease in panto land. Projection was good and timing well-paced.

Making his stage debut, Chris Evans didn’t take the easy route but plunged in with his take on the good fairy, Fairy Hanny. A little nervous at first, confidence soon took over and we witnessed a good job done. Chris worked well with the other members in the cast, and I am sure that he learnt a lot. 

Katherine Foxworthy as the grumpy old stage manager brought the whole performance together whilst keeping a keen eye on both the cast and the audience. A good ploy and comfort blanket for her cast.

Lighting was appropriate and sound effects and music cues all perfectly controlled.

Costumes were good and wigs fitted perfectly. The final number “Don’t Stop Me Now” was a great choice and one in which everyone could join in. The audience by now being eager to sing along. 

The whole evening was great fun and we enjoyed ourselves very much.

Thank you for your generous hospitality and making my husband and I feel so welcome.

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