Raring2go! Review of Sleeping Beauty
Raring2go! review of Sleeping Beauty at Swan Theatre, Worcester
Sleeping Beauty at Swan Theatre, Worcester
There is nothing better than a trip to the pantomime to get in the festive spirit, and this year’s pantomime from the Worcester Repertory Company certainly did not disappoint. The tale of Sleeping Beauty, dating back to the fourteenth century, is one we all know and love. The writing added some unique local and modern twists that had us all laughing along. A prop from a well-known children’s tv program (that is a favourite of young and old alike) was a particular highlight for many in the audience. No spoilers here – you will have to go and see it yourself.
From the moment the curtain lifted, the audience were treated to a dazzling array of colourful costumes, feet-stamping hand-clapping tunes, and all the magic you would hope to find. Maybe it was the groups of brownies who came along to our evening of fun, but we felt this was THE best panto ever for fantastic audience participation. Ohhhh yes we did! Children and adults joined in with all the ‘Behind you’ moments with so much enthusiasm, and the writers gave us every opportunity to be part of the fun.
The arrival of the panto Dame Nurse Dottie Dettol (played by Ian Good, who also directed the show) was one of the most unique entrances we have seen. Again, no spoilers, you have to see it for yourself. The interaction between Nurse Dottie and the incredibly energetic Fester the Jester (played by Nathan Blyth), along with their interaction with the audience, made them both instant hits with the crowd. The singing and acting from all the cast were top-notch, with Amy Lyons playing Sleeping Beauty, Dominic McChesney as King Eric, Hollie Christian-Brookes as Fairy Virtue, Matthew Manning as Prince Hugo, and Katherine Parker-Jones as Carabosse, the villain we all loved to boo! The performances from the entire cast were highly professional and captivating, the audience had such a great time watching the show from start to finish.
It’s hard to say what my favourite part of this year’s panto was, it was all so good, but all members of the Ensemble were, for me, the cherry on the icing on the cake. Watching the highly skilled and experienced dancers on stage was delightful, with not a step wrong or a note off key. Very well done to Francesca Alessandra, Ella Sheree, Aidan Strachan and Joey Hendy. Seeing the younger, newer performers amongst them was exciting and heart-warming, what amazing memories those children will have from performing at such an incredible pantomime. They were all brilliant, we loved every minute, and they helped make this pantomime the shining success it is. So a huge ‘Well done’ to each and every member of the juvenile dance teams: Minnie Bailey, Mollie Baker, Maya Curzon, Darcey Green, Mimi Hunt, Roxie Jordan, Torra McFarlane, Bella-May Webb, Alannna Apperly, Megan Coleman, Tilly Filburn, Belle Humphries, Bella Lowe-Smith, Elvie Plaskitt, Thora Swenson and Isla Taylor. I also want to give a shout out to their families. These young stars have obviously attended countless practices and rehearsals to become so amazing, thank you for enabling them to do this!
Behind every great show, there is an amazing and dedicated creative team, from producers. stage designers and managers, musical directors and musicians, choreographer, lighting, costume design, and stage crew. You know they are doing a cracking job when you don’t notice anything they do, but seeing them listed in the program makes you realise just how big a team it takes to pull off such a great show.
Sleeping Beauty is running at Swan Theatre, Worcester, until the 4th of January. It’s one the whole family will enjoy, we highly recommend it!
Find out more and book tickets here.
