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Sleeping Beauty
Lichfield Garrick
***** WE are all familiar with the fairy tale
of Sleeping Beauty who was cursed by an evil witch on the day of her
Christening, so that on her 18th birthday, she would prick her finger on
a spinning wheel and die. Well, the amazing cast, production team and
musicians bring this story to life with outstanding originality, energy
and pace. From the moment the curtain rose, the audience were ready and
eager to enjoy the extravaganza of Pantoland. You can't stop the beat, a perfect rousing opener
put everyone in the mood. Set in the Kingdom of Hamalot, (notorious for
over acting) we see the baby Princess, in her crib, being endowed with
sumptuous gifts and glorious magical spells. However, the wicked fairy, Carabosse, menacingly
played by Siani Owen, curses the baby with her dreadful proclamation.
Overseeing this awful act, the King, Ian Billings endeavours to protect
his daughter from harm, destroying all the spinning wheels in the realm.
('All except one', is the chant, proffered by the audience And he is ably assisted in his quest by Jangles,
(Ben Thornton) who's versatility, energy and comic timing are first
class. So too, the fabulous Sam Rabone as Nurse Nellie,
with costumes that defy gravity, and a rapport and slickness of delivery
that has the audience in fits of laughter. Especially so in the
slapstick scene as the two of them reek havoc in the castle’s ancient
bathroom. There was so much water gushing and squirting,
methinks they must have syphoned every drop from Minster pool! Such a
brilliant concept with hilarious consequences.
Another highlight was the clever sketch with the
cart full of newspapers and magazines. This has to be seen to be
appreciated and one can only imagine the hours of rehearsal these two
spent perfecting such a prize piece of comedic genius. Top credit to the
writers. Full marks all round. The beautiful Fairy Moonbeam, Rebecca Keatley was
ever on hand to protect The Princess, the delightful Jo-anne Stevens
while the handsome prince, Lloyd Davies, who eventually awakens the
princess with a kiss after her 100 year sleep fits the bill, for the
ladies of the audience,with a generous portion of 'eye candy' Kirsty Fuller, dance captain, led the ensemble in
the lively dance numbers, accompanied by Georgia Reid Hamilton, Anto
Buckley and Joseph O'Reilly, along with a team of eight children. Under the direction of Tim Ford, this is a
cracker of a family show. Paul Henry is the writer/ producer, also
producing is Emily Wood. Musical direction by Dave Culling. Choreography
by Ashley Nottingham. This may be
Sleeping Beauty
but you can be sure there will be no one snoozing while watching this
bundle of joyous frivolity. (Hey kids, watch out for the fiery dragon .
. . awesome!) There is lots of time to catch this terrific show
as it runs until December 31st 2016. Cringeworthy jokes, topical themes,
audience participation, this production has it all, even a cameo spot
from Lichfield’s very own Honey G! Pantomime at it's very best. A great evening of
super entertainment. Elizabeth M Smith 06-12-16
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at various points)