A Spinning Spectacular for CADS

I always enjoy my travels just over the boarder to Chardstock Amateur

Dramatic Society. Their rough pirates have ventured back to the high seas and this season a calmed production awaited its villagers.

Sleeping Beauty was this years choice. Written by Ben Crocker it contained all the traditional elements expected.

The show moved along at a good pace and the cue bite was sound.

Well defined characters made this the show it was and there were one or two highlights for me too.

I was most impressed by the enthusiasm of the juniors. Clearly they had done everything the director had asked of them.

Comedy was much in abundance from the outset. With the grand entrance of Queen Dottie on her sedan chair there was much to giggle about.

On the darker side laughter continued in abundance by Carabosse and Spindleshanks. Here was a couple that gelled with excellent comic timing. A fascinating duo indeed.

Our linkman worked well keeping us on our toes but remember - ’Don’t be silly Billy’

An adjudicators delight is the appearance of a custard pie on stage. There was plenty of mess to be had in the palace kitchen which the younger audience members certainly loved.

Dreamland was another memorable scene. I appreciate the props department worked hard, but a grand piano? Wherever did that come from!

There were some great upbeat numbers although not mentioned in your programme. Plenty of action complimented the choice of songs and a panto wouldn’t be a panto without including Benny Hill’s Yakety Sax.

All sets added to the appeal of the show and scene changes were swiftly undertaken.

To everyone on stage and behind the scenes I thoroughly enjoyed my pantomime experience as did the Chardstock fan club sitting opposite me! I thank you for your extremely warm and generous welcome and look forward to watching you again in 2026.

Submitted by Nigel Ford