mattress

Once Upon A Mattress

Lichfield Garrick Community Musical 2018

Lichfield Garrick

***

Once Upon A Mattress is an adaption of the Hans Christian Anderson fairy-tale, The Princess And The Pea, composed by Mary Rodgers, daughter of Richard Rodgers, (of Rodgers and Hammerstein fame).

This Tony award winning show is performed here by a cast of more than 50 enthusiastic participants drawn from Lichfield and surrounding areas.

This is the third production by the community group with some of the actors appearing in the previous shows, and others who are making their debut on the Garrick stage, who collectively offer a lively evening of family entertainment.

The cast were predominantly youngsters with a few of the main roles given over to adults, but everyone did a great job of bringing the story to life with boundless energy and gusto under the direction of Emily Summers.

The plot, being a fairy story was, of course improbable, but, the presentation was original with some nice vocals, good acting and lots of comedic moments. At times, it had the feel of a pantomime and would lend itself perfectly as a Christmas show.

Chorus numbers were rousing, and principal numbers were well sung. Lovely costumes and the glitzy set added to the ambience. Choreography was well thought out, (not an easy task with such a huge cast) although the short sequence of tap would have had more impact had it been of longer duration.

Overall, an ambitious undertaking which would have taken hours of dedicated rehearsal, something clearly evident in the performance.

Special mention must go to Rebecca Mills, (Princess Winnifred), Julie Roche, (Queen Aggravain), Adam Robinson, (Prince Dauntless), Ivor Williams, (King Sextimus The Silent), Elliot Scott-Lolley, (Sir Harry), Lauren Sutherland, (Lady Larken), Alfie Kentesber, (The Jester), Matthew Bishop, (The Wizard) and Alexander Nicholls, (The Minstrel) Accompanying music under the baton of musical director, Angharad Sanders. To 04-08-18.

Elizabeth M. Smith and Rosemary Manjunath

31-07-18 

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