The Sleeping Beauty

Hooray! At last, after months of total nothingness, a rollicking, frolicking, pantomime performed, in a real live theatre! What a joy, and the perfect recipe for a cold December night!

In the Dame role, and leading the comedy mayhem, was the experienced Tom Richmond as zany Queen Dotty, turning in an energetic, boisterous, and exuberant performance. At one point, he turned up looking like Dame Edna Everage, (!) and he was at his joke-cracking best when playing on a very, very, small baby grand piano! Nick Browne, resplendent in a kilt and, looking like a refugee from Disney’s “Brave”, was the harassed hubby, King Norbert. Oozing much star quality was Louise Middleton as the evil fairy, Carabosse, making a dazzling appearance in a magnificent black-sequined ensemble. She was definitely evil personified and would have scared any child on a dark night! Terri Milne was our Princess Aurora, and brought much charm and charisma to her role – (although this part has always “puzzled” me because, being the main-named role in this panto, spends much of her “time” offstage, during the show’s playing time!) As her handsome Prince Orlando, Emily Easton was a complete natural in this Royal role and was a tall, imposing figure with a striking appearance. Billie (Karla Geekie), was the Palace’s lively odd-job person and showed she was a most up-to-date factotum with access to a modern mobile phone and Alexa! Representing the “Good” side was Kirsty Beaumont as Fairy Peaceful, doing a grand job in the process with her magic. Then there were the two cats – both looking humanoid, and could talk! Here good work came from Eve McKaig as Kitty, the Palace cat and, as nasty Spindleshanks, Connie Uribe showed her prowess.

There were fairies, ghosts, ghouls, zombies, rats and mice, all nicely performed by company members, and we must not forget the excellent stage lighting, and the wonderful ensemble singing. To sum up - there is only one thing to say – it was a Beauty-ful evening out!

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