SLEEPING BEAUTY
Directed by
Cathy Hurley
NODA Review
This pantomime was billed as a Millennium pantomime and so
it was, in more ways than one. In this Sleeping Beauty not
an evil fairy to be seen.
Instead we had the Millennium Bug - all six foot of it.
It was an enjoyable production with some of the best
choreography I have had the pleasure of watching. From the
youngest to the eldest they all gave of their best which
was a joy to see. The stage size did not help them but it
was never noticeable in any routine that they were hampered
in any way.
Several good performances came across: Mr. Prim was played
to the hilt in true pantomime style by Dave Hartley.
Velcro, although to young for the part, really got "stuck"
in (sorry, I couldn't help it) and her diction and attack
were very commendable indeed; I hope this is not the last
we see of Joanne Huyton.
Nanny (Andy Burke) and Zipper (Colin Clarke) held the show
together as Dame and side kick. Nanny looked right once she
had put on her skirt and taken off the trousers in which
she first appeared.
King Jolly and Queen Merry played by Ben Mayo and Diana
look-alike Jill Fagon, both sang well as did their daughter
Princess Aurora.
Indeed Gemma Tarpey's voice is more mature then her years.
Prince's William and Harry were played by Rebecca Bouskill
and Katie Mercer.
We also had a nice cameo from Oliver Franklin as Fairy
Pansy and a Millennium Bug who, despite incurring an injury
early on in the week, continued with the help of a stick:
Allan Mayer showing, once more, that the show must go on!
Well done.
A very enjoyable performance and a special mention for the
lovely costumes of the fairies and the party atmosphere
