THEATR CLWYD’S ROCK AND ROLL PANTO SLEEPING BEAUTY
NO one could possibly sleep for 10 seconds let alone 100 years during Theatr Clwyd’s version of the traditional pantomine Sleeping Beauty.
Panto, that most enduring of all forms of theatre, is given its annual twist by the Mold-based company who have staged a rock and roll based production for more than 20 years.
Sleeping Beauty, written once again this year by Peter Rowe, features over 16 classic rock songs played live by the 10-strong cast of actor/musicians and include Superstition, Witchty Woman, Every Breath you Take, Celebration and Sex Bomb.
The show tells the story of Princess Susie (Elian West), and how she was cursed by evil fairy Morgana (Lynwen Haf Roberts).
The former Rownd a Rownd actress stares and glares at the audience when in character prompting the tradsitional booing and hissing. Excellent!
When the fairies are on stage, everything is very charmingly spoken in rhyme. But that’s not so when Nurse Tabetha Trott (Sean McKenzie) is on stage.
His lines are hilarious and his adlibs bring topical humour to the stage. Some of his jokes are beyond the understanding of the younger members of the audience - well I certainly hope so! – but they don’t seem out of place in this setting.
Hopefully Sean won’t have any community service to carry out in Mold after this season.
Emmy Stonelake, as the lovable fairy apprentice Frederica, gave a wonderful performance as did Zoe West as Fairy Fanciful.
James Ifan, Greg Coulson, David Heywood, Rowan Talbot and Luke Thornton complete the cast.
The costumes, designed by Adrian Gee and made by Deborah Knight, are spot on especially for the Dame and later when the action moves from the Victorian 1860s to the swinging 1960s.
Director Zoe Waterman manages to keep everyone in check and everyone deserved their standing ovation given by the packed house on opening night.
The Theatr Clwyd panto has become hugely popular and Sleeping Beauty is a worthy addition to their record books. Eryl Crump Sleeping Beauty: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto is at Theatr Clwyd until January 20. Ticket from the Box Office on 01352 701521.