THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA

Delightful to be back at Square Drama for their latest pantomime, by a new writer, Andrew Potter, who came to see the production, and I hope he enjoyed it as much as the audience did the night I was there.

The scenery was nicely designed and painted by Martin Pritchard and Carl Fletcher, quite simplistic, but effective, with good lighting from Lauren Fletcher and Tom Cella.  I particularly liked the effects of the lights on the front tabs before the production and during the interval, adding a bit of extra interest

I liked the costumes, the ladies were all very attractively dressed, with bright colours, however I felt the men’s costumes did not show as much attention to detail.  Mrs Marrowfat had a super wig, and a very colourful dress, with good make up.   

The show opened with the Narrator, Nina Cobfeld, giving us some information about the plot, which was good, as it is perhaps not as well-known as some fairy tales.  Nina looked lovely in her medieval style green dress and spoke well.

The opening number was well-chosen and enthusiastically performed, I liked all the musical numbers, which were suitable and kept short and snappy.  The sing along was fun and I loved how Mushy involved the little boy who was very vocal, and wanted to be included, apparently he’d already seen the show and wanted to come back again, so knew all the moves, which is what panto is all about.

Good to see Kieran Pritchard all grown up and taking a principal part as Prince Legume, that last time I saw him he was a boy, now he is a young man with a good command of the stage and his character.

Legume’s eventual choice of Princess was nicely played by Rose Taplin, charmingly portrayed and good interaction with the Prince.  I liked their duet.

Chris Fletcher as Mrs Marrowfat and Tammy Bradley as Mushy created a good comedy pairing, I thoroughly enjoyed what they did, and Tammy in particular was extremely energetic and determined to get the audience to react!  The trifle section was good, liked the custard powder and cream, very well done.

Lady Maggoty and Lord Mildew played by Donna Fletcher and Joseph Bull gave us the baddies of the plot, a good pair we enjoyed booing!   I liked the cushion scene, which worked well.

Jonathan Burrett as Mangetout the butler and spy for Maggoty and Mildew was given the right amount of slyness and nastiness.  Very much on point.

Queen Sugarsnap and King Kelvedon gave Bridget Calvert and Rob Jones the chance to play to their strengths as the more serious and more mature pairing, well played.

I thought Victoria Goode and Leo Morawski did well as the two princesses Chana and Wan Doh, both well-costumed and giving their all to their diverse characters.

Matthew Pritchard as the feisty ghost Fusarium Wilt projected very well, a good portrayal.

Overall a very enjoyable evening, my thanks to Square Drama for their hospitality.

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