The Frog Prince

It was a pleasure to return to Brindle Players to watch their 2025 pantomime “The Frog Prince.” This family friendly pantomime was full of high jinx, laughter, and a whole colony of frogs. The audience, including many children, were eager, enjoying every opportunity to shout out and get involved as the story progressed. The handsome and eligible Prince Norman was preparing for the royal ball. Every available lady of society was vying for his hand in marriage. Norman was duped by his evil, jealous Aunt and turned into a frog. Only true loves kiss could break the spell and free the prince. With music, mayhem and many outrageous characters, the cast and crew produced a thoroughly enjoyable show from the onset.

The trio of directors, Katie Hardman, Laura Brewer, and Lyndsey Wilson, along with Assistant Director Libby Walker, worked together to produce a vibrant, funny, and creatively engaging show. With a strong cast of players and an animated, enthusiastic ensemble, it was easy to become engulfed in the atmosphere. Adults and children alike actively booing the baddie and laughing heartily at the antics on stage. For this production, Brindle took inspiration from the television series ‘Bridgerton.’ Set within the Regency period of history, the cast were adorned with bright, matching costumes as they began their opening number ‘Viva La King’ (Coldplay’s - Viva La Vida). The dance moves were of the period, couples moving in unison, paying homage to the popular Quadrille and Regency ballroom style of dance. I thought the attention to detail on costumes and makeup in this scene looked highly effective, each couple wore different flashes of colour, sashes, buttons, eyeshadow, matched in pairs, adding to the visual effect of a strong opening number. It is worth mentioning that Brindle Players rewrite all the lyrics to the songs included in their productions, replacing existing words their own versions. This process involves the whole society, with many members credited for their efforts. Songs are instantly recognisable via the tune but artfully composed to add to the storyline. Musical Director, Lyndsey Wilson, with Assistant Musical Directors Georgia Seddon and Kayleigh Irwine created several excellent musical numbers, with close harmonies and clear, pronounced vocals. Choreography by Sally Leech, Megan Gardner, and a whole host of supporting choreographers was fresh and vibrant. I particularly enjoyed the routine during the song ‘Preparations,’ the ensemble positioned to include the audience as paper plates were passed from the rear of the auditorium and wound their way onto the stage, I thought it was a fun, entertaining way of engaging with the audience members. Lighting throughout the show was impressive, Dani Leathersmith designed some fabulous effects, with constantly changing colours. Greens gels went with the Fairy Godmother, blues, cyans and reds were used as Phibian worked her evil magic. I particularly liked the use of lighting during rapid costume changes, the audience were lit briefly by spotlights, effectively making it impossible to see the changes occurring. This all happened in the blink of an eye and needed precision planning from cast, crew, and costume makers, well done all involved, impressive teamwork all round. During the Fleecington sisters’ vocal number, the lights reflected each sister and their various colour schemes, blue, orange, and purple picked out the actors as they performed, with soft pinks highlighting Beatrice, the heroine of this pantomime. Lights had been specifically designed to enhance the scenes, with no noticeable faults and great care had been taken to cover all sources of natural light. I particularly enjoyed the flashback scene where Phibian recounted her childhood. Projected images of a younger Phibian and her brother Albert played out the narrative. Albert fought the dragon, was presumed dead and turned up just as Phibian was being crowned Queen. The stills used were very funny, Alessia Lepadatu as young Phibian, and Fraser Mellows-Facer as young Albert, were great sports as they re-enacted the tale in the projections, jolly comical action shots from both actors. Kudos to whomever thought up that gem of a scene, and all involved in its production. Sound effects and dialogue sound, designed by Dave Taylor, were clear. Musical numbers were loud enough to be heard without overpowering the vocals. Song entrances were cued perfectly, with no discernible faults. The sets were colourful, back cloths of gardens, forests and the castle interiors decorated the rear of the stage. One scene, included a checkered floor, diminishing into the background, concealing a rise for Phibian to use, it looked like she was floating above the stage, impressive. Stage Manager, Lee Marshall and his team worked swiftly behind the scenes, set changes were unobtrusive and smooth.

Georgia Seddon played the role of Prince Norman, the frog Prince. Turned into a frog by his aunt, Norman had to navigate life as an amphibian until he found true love. With a confident stage presence and a cheeky grin, Georgia was strong in this role. I thought the frog puppet worn on her costume was impressive. She moved comfortably, her puppetry and dialogue were synchronised, I thought the scenes with Duke and fellow frogs jolly funny. A notable performance from Georgia. Roger Brown comically doddered onto the stage as King Arthur. Father to Norman, elderly and unsteady on his feet, at one point he appeared on rollerblades, much to the audience delight, a very funny performance from Roger with strong vocals and dialogue. Trying to take over the realm was Norman’s aunt, Phibian. Katie Hardman was having a fun time playing the evil sorcerer and the audience booed loudly whenever she was on. I thought the quick costume change on stage looked fabulous. Her song, ‘Venomous Vines’, (Sweet Dreams, The Eurythmics) looked striking with the lights and costume., Katie had a strong vocal range which she demonstrated during this song. A strong villainous performance all round. No evil character is without minions, playing the role of Rocky and Pebbles were Eve Killingbeck and Eve Preston, respectively. Rocky and Pebbles were inept and bumbling, with hilarious facial expressions. I particularly enjoyed the faces on these actors whilst they were being hypnotised, jolly funny. A notable comedy performance. Domestic help did not come much sillier than in the castle kitchens with Dame Annie Chance. Emmie Frazer took up the mantel of Dame in this production. Emmie had great comic timing, her interactions with Ferret and Weasel were very funny. Her solo, ‘Preparations’ was strong and confident and could be heard clearly over the giggles as the audience passed props through to the stage. Emmie looked great in her costumes; I loved the playing card dress; it was loud, big, and beautiful, a solid performance from Emmie. Danny Boon as Ferret Chance was hilarious, his voice and character made the audience laugh aloud, I thought the flower scene in the forest was very comical. Danny had a wonderful array of facial expressions and was physically funny, his ability to let go and embrace the silliness of his character was wonderful to watch. The interaction between Danny and Kayleigh Irwine who played Weasel Chance, was great, the chemistry solid. Kayleigh matched Danny step for step, displaying tight comic abilities. A superior performance from these actors.

Trying to bag themselves a Prince amongst all the madnesses were the Fleecington sister, Leona, Astrid, and Viola. In their over-the-top costumes, each character in her own colour pattern, emphasised by the lighting. These were the horrible sisters, not ugly per say, but each having a dreadful personality. They planned to marry Norman, even if it meant siding with Phibian. Sally Leech as Leona, Libby Walker as Astrid, and Helen Brewer as Viola were arrogant and mean as they flounced onto the stage. Their vocals were harmonious and well executed, the dance routine tight. In contrast, the youngest sibling Beatrice Fleecington played by Beth Otterburn, was kindhearted and sweet. With a lovely vocal range and strong stage presence, Beth was wonderful in this role. She was confident with great projection. I particularly enjoyed the resuscitation scene, Beth timing her movements exactly right.

One audience favourite was Lynn Harley as Duke, the French frog. Complete with centre parting and moustache Lynn looked fabulous as she entertained the audience with her accent and mannerisms. Wearing a puppet attracted to the from of her costume, her movements and facial reactions were a joy to watch. The fact that he called Norman, Pierre throughout was very funny. With a plethora of terrible toad jokes, Duke and his frog colony living at the bottom of the garden were hilarious. Juliette Hardy, Grace Stead, Lyndsey Wilson and Emily Bolton, made up the colony of frogs, and all these actors were comical, their interactions were slick, their dance routine synchronised. Impressive puppetry from all involved.

I would love to mention everyone in the cast, but I am afraid it is not possible. I would however, like to acknowledge Aby Hardy who played the Fairy Godmother. Aby was effervescent, bubbly, and friendly, she looked great in her green costume and her rendition of ‘Keep Her Alive’ (Staying Alive – The Bee Gees) was hilarious. Debbie Howard appeared as Sir Lancelot, a poor knight still on quest from last years panto. Her determination to find the grail unwavering, even though it was pointed out many times that she was in the wrong pantomime, I thoroughly enjoyed that joke. Anne Hardman and Laura Brewer were jolly funny as Hansel and Gretel, whilst Megan Gardner, Millie Marshall and Emma Skinner made a brief but comical appearance as the three little pigs, the police officers of the show. Finally, I would like to acknowledge Xavier Khan, his accent sounded great, dressed in his lumberjack outfit, ready for action. An impressive performance from Xavier, confident and humorous.

I had a fantastic time at Brindle Players, there were many scenes not mentioned that were funny, colourful, and utterly entertaining. I would like to thank Brindle players for inviting me and my plus one to watch The Frog Prince and look forward to many more shows from them in the future.

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