Wells Little Theatre Sleeping Beauty

Wells Little Theatre Present Sleeping Beauty 

I always enjoy my journey across the levels to Wells Little Theatre. I know they always come up with a trump card and this year was no exception.

Directed by Ken Edmonds and written and produced by Vicky Orman this was a pantomime that had everything and possibly a little bit more!

Casting was ‘spot on’ and each character and chorus was extremely well rehearsed. The cue bite was sound and no prompts required. Freda certainly had a night off the evening I was in!

This was a stylish production that moved at pace and never once laboured. Everyone looked happy with many smiling faces which cheered up the audience so readily.

I am a great fan of breaking the fourth wall and using the auditorium. You achieved this on the magnificent entrance of Prince Percival. Maybe the same entrance for Nanny Noodle as Mary Poppins may have enhanced ‘her’ character even more. Just an observation and certainly not a criticism.

A strong cast of principals kept this show together and I applaud Nickerbocker Noodle for his energetic performance. Even though your ‘one-liners’ (dating back many centuries!) experienced many groans from your audience, I must say you held this panto together from beginning to end with panache.

I believe tradition is essential in any pantomime especially between ‘good and evil’ so just be a tad careful about stepping over that ‘immortal line’ which happened frequently.

Congratulations Zoe. Dance was a highlight in this show and the choreography was superb. It’s always a delight for the audience to witness some tap dancing too and this you achieved admirably.

A rousing band with some lively numbers. I especially enjoyed ‘A Musical’ almost transporting us away from pantomime momentarily.

Although not too many scene changes lighting enhanced each scene. The UV was totally out of this world and left your audience spellbound.

Costumes were society made and there was plenty of glittering sequins giving this panto a razzmatazz feel.

This was without doubt a spectacular slick production and I congratulate you all for the months of hard graft in putting this show together. It certainly paid off.

This was a production that certainly had the ‘cherry on the cake’ and I thank you all for an ‘exceedingly good’ evenings entertainment.

Nigel Ford

Moderator