New Strolling Players’ production of Sleeping Beauty. In the middle, front, from left, Phil Selby as the Dame, Anthony J. Moore as the Prince, Rachel Dangerfield as Beauty and Jim Kerr as the Secretary of State. Picture by Peter Boam.
STAGE REVIEWSINCE Alfred Lord Tenysson and Julia Margaret Cameron set up an artist’s enclave there in the 19th century, Freshwater has been a magnet for creative, flamboyant types.
And local talent is as plentiful as ever, judging from this year’s panto, Sleeping Beauty.
Performed by the New Strolling Players in the Memorial Hall, the show was a delightful blend of homespun humour and well-rehearsed slickness.
The imaginative script was by Ellen Bovill; director was Michael Dangerfield and choreography was by Martine Burgess.
One strength of the show was all the youngsters in the cast.
This company obviously has no difficulty attracting bright young performers.
Even the tiniest player, Esther Burgess, seven, as a fairy, had mastered the lyrics and dance steps perfectly. Esther and the fairy godmothers (Alice Dye, Sophie Warwick, Lottie Osman-Dent, Rosie Hancock and Jess Hope) were a joy to watch.
Among many pleasing performances were those of the kitchen skivvies, particularly Megan Thomas as Dick.
Pantos are synonymous with slapstick and there were plenty of local jokes to appeal to Friday’s full house.
The audience lapped up the over-the-top antics of palace cook Dame Goosebotham (Phil Selby) and her paramour, the ridiculously camp Secretary of State (Jim Kerr), while three Irish leprechauns (Janet Haire, David Hancock and Darren Burgess) had everyone in stitches.
A boo-worthy villain is essential; Kelly Daniel oozed evil in the role of the wicked witch, Deadly Nightshade.
But the silly but charming Prince Gallant of Godshill (Antony J Moore) and his daft squires, John Fraser and Brian Steward, triumphed over the evil Nightshade.
Beauty (Rachel Dangerfield) and Gallant lived happily ever after, while the audience departed, chuckling.
Reporter: suel@iwcpmail.co.uk