Whitehaven Theatre Group have pulled out all the stops again in this year’s panto, Sleeping Beauty.
You can expect a night of colour, energy, dance, and hilarious shenanigans, with impressive sets, stunning costumes and a delightful chorus supporting the main characters.
A suitably wicked fairy Carabosse beautifully played by Rachel Denwood opens the show, supported by the adoring Grunge (Stuart Evans).
King Rudolf is the perfectly pompous fairytale King played by Maynall Weil with Jimmy Morgan playing the frisky Queen Ravia.
The stage lights up with the appearance of Shaun Donald as Court Jester Muddles. His comic timing makes for great teamwork with Sir Tenly Knott a Knight (Stuart Buchanan).
And there is also the return of a traditional principal boy with the rather quirky Prince George (Sarah Blaney).
There is some lovely work from Fairy Queen Scarlett Todhunter as all fight to save the Sleeping Beauty (Camille Best) from the Evil Fairy’s spell.
With too many people to mention by name, the whole cast do a great job and can be proud.
Well done to first time director Lindsey Benson assisted by Sarah Blaney and also choreographers Jode Morgan and Scarlett Todhunter.
Praise too must go to all those behind scenes and stage manager Chris Simpson for another fantastic job.
For me I have to single out Lisa Buchanan for her superb characterisation in the role of Nurse Bunty.
She gave herself over completely to the part which resulted in some of the most hilarious moments in the show.
Go and see this panto and support this amazing group who work so hard and give up so much time, for the sheer love of performing.
You will love it, I did. Oh yes I did.
It opened on Tuesday this week and runs up until Sunday.
Rose Marian Finn
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