Sleeping Beauty - BATS Review
28/11/2024
As Christmas approaches, excited children (and adults), in a cram-packed Turnpike Gallery, Leigh witness that Turnpike Community Theatre had the perfect ingredients for a fantastic family panto - and didn’t they make the most of it. This panto had comedy, an enthusiastic cast and, of course, the main element - FUN!
From the curtains opening to closing, we had colour, energy, and plenty of audience participation - which is what a panto is all about. Director Hannah Boardman has corralled a talented cast and presented a cracking panto.
The familiar tale of Sleeping Beauty has been foretold many times. As Beauty reaches her 18th birthday she is given a party by her father, only to be scuppered by the wicked Malicia as she sets about to cause havoc, based on the fact she was not invited to the party! Sam Ashcroft is comfortable in this role as he embraces the high heels and portrays the female villain very well. Evil, both in style and delivery, we really see the evil side here as Malicia sets about her mission.
In opposition to the meddling of Malicia, Anita Grace plays a delightful Fairy Forget-me-not, with suitable forgetfulness, resulting in an array of prompting from the participative audience. A nice interpretation of this iconic character.
Assisting Fairy Forget-me-not, we have 3 fairies, Fairy Tulip (Alexis Battle), Fairy Marigold (Jeanette Wilkinson), and Fairy Daisy (Lynn Grimshaw). All presented perfect individual performances, ensuring the individuality of each fairy shone through.
Georgia Heapy plays an innocent Princess Rose. With a lovely singing voice, Georgia was every bit the Sleeping Beauty, with a lovely stage presence.
As Princess Rose’s parents, King Rowan and Queen Iris were suitably matched as they fought through the stresses of being out to sleep for 100 years! Alan Boardman and Lauren Allister worked well together in these believable roles. Staying with Royalty, King Boris, played by Jamie Barton did his part in ensuring Prince Rhod was able to marry his Princess.
Determined to break the spell, Prince Rhod is ready to save the day. Neil Gredecki is on top form as he uses all his swagger, complete with ‘finger sweeping of his hair’ more than several times, to plant the ‘kiss’ on the Princess to allow her to wake up and marry him - well, it is panto after all! Assisting Rhod to break the spell, Courtney Zanni as the Old Guard was good and characterised well.
For me, the main thing that glues panto together is the comedy. It must be in safe hands and my word - it was. Emma Morris as Jingling Jerry the Jester was a treat to watch. Engaging with the audience came naturally, responding to the children’s ‘shout outs’ was easy as pie and the ability to keep pace was admirable - a super performance here from Emma.
In equal measure, Richard Pilkington as Nurse Nelly Nutmeg was fab. Just what a dame should be - a man in a frock! Great mannerisms and a clear understanding of the role and of what a ‘panto’ is. Easy to watch and, in my case, certainly at home in singling out someone in the audience for the running gag - brilliant!
Congratulations Turnpike Community Theatre for entertaining us and for keeping the traditional family panto alive. Thank you, Hannah, for your hospitality.
Paul Cohen - BATS