An anniversary celebration
Sleeping Beauty South Hill Park Until New Year’s Eve 01344 484123 www.southhillpark.org.uk
A dazzling family show packed with our favourite Christmas panto ingredients and other surprises. With colourful musical numbers, all manner of jokes (good and bad), fabulous dancing, some jelly babies and a sizeable dollop of audience participation. Oh, and a water pistol, squirted into the audience, obviously.
Celebrating 50 years of South Hill Park Arts Centre, this is a fast-paced, joy-filled, glorious production from start to finish. Everything from the exquisite script to the choice of songs makes this show a must-see.
Fairy Moppins, played by the fabulous and hugely talented Paul Toulson, was first to make her magical appearance, giving audiences a warm and sparkly welcome. She was soon joined by her arch-enemy, the wicked Villanelle, who rightly got her fair share of impassioned booing and hissing throughout. Josselyn Ryder depicted the malevolent character beautifully, from the way she commanded the stage to her perfect evil cackle at each exit.
Making her debut as Princess Briar Rose was Maisie Scarlett. With her gorgeous vocals, she made her big numbers and fiddly choreography appear effortless.
Bouncing on to the stage with the energy of Winnie the Pooh’s Tigger, was cheeky chappy Pickle, played by Michael Ayiotis, his fifth Christmas at The Wilde Theatre.
Nanny Moppins (our Fairy in disguise) is brilliant, sharp and hilarious, lovingly picking on a member of the audience and teasing him repeatedly. She takes great care of both her fellow characters and her spectators.
Whilst a goofy Prince Percy (Charlie Nobel) also pines after the Princess, Watkins the Butler, played by Keir Buist in his seventh pantomime at South Hill Park, has his sights set on the Prince. Never mind love triangles, there are rectangles and all sorts in this show.
Joining Pickle and Fairy Moppins in a hilarious comedic trio is the fantastic Nick Murphy as King Archibald, who sports an elaborate and heavily adorned royal jacket. Their frivolous antics are priceless.
A panto villain wouldn’t be complete without her mischievous side-kick, the lovable purple dragon Grouch. Puppeteering is an understated skill and the young, talented
Caitlin Tyla voiced and steered the creature splendidly.
Grouch, who’d had quite a growth spurt in 50 years, gets his starring moment in act two, where the set designer pulled out all the stops to create a dragon so magnificent it required four people to operate its legs.
Supporting the main characters beautifully were the terrific junior ensemble, who brought a generous energy and pizazz to every big number.
Whilst Princess Rose and best friend Pickle’s affection for one another was palpable, we might have been able to witness their love blossoming a little more on stage, perhaps with an extra scene illustrating their growing fondness for one another.
Pickle’s feelings for the Princess were demonstrated when he thoughtfully handrepaired her one-eyed teddy.
We could have had ever so slightly more fear from the royal gang towards the villainous Villanelle, who softened rather easily at the end.
Written by Joyce Branagh, the script is full of quick-witted jokes and amusing references, plus a plot-twist or two of course.
This show is a festive joy, sure to raise spirits and bring some much-needed magic to families this Christmas.