Kingsbury Episcopi's Rapunzel Rocks

LEVELS AMATEUR SHOW COMPANY PRESENT RAPUNZEL ROCKS 

A new year, a new venue and a new pantomime group. Welcome to the

‘Levels Amateur Show Company’ who are performing their debut at the Kingsbury Community Centre.

Rapunzel Rocks, written by Ben Crocker, was the company's choice and Director Jodie Parks was in the driving seat.

Forming a new company can be a daunting experience with many trials and tribulations along the way. This company needed to find their feet. Did it pay off? With a packed audience on the afternoon I attended, I believe it most certainly did.

With the smallest of stages and not a curtain in sight, momentum had to be the key and with only a couple of minor pauses this was well achieved.

What a talented troupe you have. The cue bite was sound and lines delivered assuringly. A special mention to Madison Parks, who at 19 stood in to play the King at 24 hours notice! And what a regal part you played Madison. Well done.

I believe the castings were ‘spot on’. Nanny Hilda (played by David Harris) was a loveable character that we immediately warmed to. Using the auditorium on entrances made you the dame you were, engaging with your audience at all times. Maybe a disguise for those specs you were wearing may have enhanced you even further. Some cardboard ‘cut out’ Dame Edna Everage frames attached to your own may have worked. Just an idea.

Charlie Mitchell’s Rudi gave an outstanding performance. How I so wished you and Rapunzel (played by Amberley Ostroumoff) had sung a duet. It was clearly evident you both had tremendous singing voices.

I could tell everyone enjoyed the roles they were playing, and a first time on stage for many too.

Excellent sound and mic’d up principals meant I could hear every word from the back. A rarity on my travels!

The simplicity of the stage meant props needed to play a vital part in this pantomime and there were plenty, a few of which were OTT, exactly as it should be.

With some great upbeat numbers, a ghost scene, UV and audience participation song, here was a team that presented everything on the tiniest of stages.

What a foundation to start your pantomime experience. I am positive this society will grow year after year and I most certainly look forward to watching Dick Whittington next season.

Congratulations one and all. I’m going, I’m going….. I’ve gone!

Nigel Ford

Moderator