There was certainly more than just a touch of excitement in the air amongst the packed audience on the opening night of Sleeping Beauty last evening in the main house at Malvern Theatres.
Smiles turned into cheers when local funnyman Mark James hit the stage as Chester the Jester.
His opening line of ‘Where’s me mates?” was greeted with a loud ‘Here we are!” acknowledging Chester was among Malvern panto regulars who were there for a good time.
Actually, at around three hours it’s quite a long time too – but then there is a lot to take in. Jon Monie’s script goes far beyond a simple retelling of the classic fairytale of a Princess falling asleep after being pricked by the needle of a wicked witches spinning wheel. In keeping with what youngsters expect from a story these days, it becomes almost an intergalactic battle featuring Dr Who’s Tardis and a Prince flying through time to take on a fire breathing, shape shifting demon called Carabosse. It’s a wonder Sleeping Beauty gets any zzzzs at all!
Shani Cantor packs a punch with a voice full of soul as well as being your favourite relative, transformed into an immortal as Fairy Snowfall. Equally big-lunged but flying on from stage left, (AKA the dark side) is Jordon Lee Davies as bad girl Carabosse whose dastardliness truly earns her the barrage of boos.
Mark Llewelyn Evans has the biggest bassiest voice of them all as The King, Phillip Arran enjoys a an endless wardrobe of gaudy frocks but could do with a few more traditional panto dame lines to engage us as Nanny Nora.
Alexander Emery makes a cool dashing hero as Prince Vincent and Ellie Dadd is delightful as Princess Rose, a royal definitely worth risking your life for.
An impressive line-up of principals as this is, it’s little Mark James’s ‘Chester the Jester’ that truly brings home the bacon, holding things together and capturing young and old eyes and ears by his every word and deed.
There is a hardworking ensemble and a lovely children’s dance troupe to add to the sparkle.
Directed by Paul Boyd, wondrous wardrobing by Elaizabeth Dennie and Choreographed by Cameron MacDonald with MD Tom Self heading up a small-but-boisterous band, the show went smoothly for an opening night. No doubt the pace will pick-up now first night nerves are behind them (as well as the ghost).
It’s a winner on many levels but particularly by patching in water fights, streamer shooting cannons, stunning FX, fireworks and flame fountains amidst the traditional ghost chasing, double-entendre, love jeopardy and general silliness. A highly recommended festive feast for all ages.
Sleeping Beauty runs at Malvern Theatres until January 5. Click here for times, tickets and more information.
