The Sleeping Beauty

It is always a great pleasure to visit my friends at Walkerville Musical Society to see their annual pantomime, which this year was The Sleeping Beauty written by Peter Denyer.

The notable improvements which the society and the Community Association have made to the Community Hall are plain for all to see, making this venue more like a theatre every day. Congratulations on your combined efforts. Every visit holds a new surprise.

A packed auditorium greeted me when I took my seat, Cubs and scouts seemed to have the majority on the evening, and they all joined in the fun from the outset.

Chairman Alan Ranson’s message in the programme outlined the society’s team ethos and the amount of hard work under difficult circumstances everyone in this team contributes. It was apparent that, once again, it had paid off.

This panto commenced, not with a good fairy as in others, but with a minstrel, nicely and endearingly portrayed by Graeme Spence. The roles of The King and Queen, well played by Brian Metcalf and Bev Brennan were ‘meatier’ than you usually find. A nice touch from author Peter.

The comedy was excellently brought to life by Leo Spence as Pickles the Page and the indefatigable John Ord as Nanny Fanny Cranny the nursemaid. A panto dame’s tour de force. He got the balance just right for children of all ages in the audience. Obviously polite at times when he had to be, but lapsing into the vernacular, hilariously, at others.

We were treated to a host (or is it a flight) of fairies in the forms of The Lilac Fairy; Ramona Chapman, Gold Fairy; Jenny Boothroyd, Silver Fairy; Sophia Trimble and Bronze Fairy; Jazmin Mill. These were nothing to do with Olympic medals, but rather the colour of the splendid costumes they were bedecked in. They kept both us and the cast at ease and in order. Well done!.

Their dark and evil nemesis was the wicked Carabosse. Outstandingly portrayed by Lisa Nugent, who had far too much fun playing this part!. She, and we, enjoyed it immensely. Congratulations on a stellar performance.

The love interest duo of The Princess Beauty and her Prince Michael were superbly played by Helene Archer and Andrea Scott-Bell. Beautiful vocals and acting, bringing this tale to life with some ancient and modern classics. A pleasure to watch and listen to.

At this point, I must also mention the very funny parody of The Mikado song Three Little Maids from School, excellently turned into Three Little Maids On Stools featuring Alan Tomkins, Ken Richardson and Mark Taylor.

Director Ann Ranson, MD Peter Allsopp and Choreographer Lisa Nugent can be very proud of their hard work on this production, which was reflected in the audience appreciation after the finale. The superb costumes, colourful sets, and excellent lighting effects and sound were also first class. Well done Alan and the whole team.

Thanks for the invitation, which brought about something of a welcome entertaining escape for this writer at this time. I look forward to your very busy schedule including The Addams Family in 2026, and also Peter Pan and Singing In The Rain in 2027.

Warmest congratulations.

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