Fakenham always produces an excellent family pantomime for the town and is well supported.
A first time team in the production chairs and what a very good job they made of it. A new script for me from NODA and the story worked well with good casting, choice of music and movement. Hopefully Lee and Max did not find it too stressful and will repeat the experience. With five in the choreography team, there was ample talent for the many company numbers from the large cast, all very dynamic and energetic and so well rehearsed to give a slick movement as one in spite of the very lively musical numbers. And Jo Kemp is always such an excellent MD with vocals given good attention.
With seven in the design and construction team to be congratulated especially for the ‘tower’ so vital to the story: this piece hinged and imagined well to open into the cell for Rapunzel, hidden door and window for hair, really a triumph and to get on and off stage smoothly well managed.
Costumes very colourful so visually pleasing especially with the movement. And the Dame had a new costume for every appearance to surprise us, not certain how they managed some ultra-fast changes.
As prologue, we met Witch Gothel (Sarah Chessie) with the kidnapped baby, and what a part to relish, she was everything the ‘baddie’ should be with the exaggerated acting, the personality, the looks and the voice, a fascinating performance dominating the stage, and the audience hated her.
In the village Frankie (Luke Morgan) led the antics with energy and huge comedy timing, very good rapport with audience, and tried so hard to compete for stage with his mother the Dame, and to control a wayward Prince as valet. The Prince Frederick (Robert Bond) was tall, dark, handsome, and good voice, how fortunate for FADLOS, and joined in his rebels and irresponsibility until he met the lady in the tower when all changed. Dana Wright in the title role had a sweet personality even in the presence of the witch. A sweet voice vital for this role. And wonderment shown in how big the world outside.
Comedy and inaptitude from Curly (Chloe Regester) and Bob (Alex Chidichimo), and suitable comedy cameos from King (Jeremy Barker) and Queen (Theresa May) who do not totally gell with their son, support from Andy Grout as Captain Guard in control.
Good supporting roles from the ladies: Fairy Flora from Annabel Nash, and as Lacie, Macie, and Gracie, from Kat Degning, Caitlin Tuck, and Tilly Baron.
And certainly in charge of personality, stylish looks, all those amazing costume changes, timing and comedy, audience participation, and masterminding the story line, Ben Francis as Dame Beatrix Bouffant, probably the best dame on stage in the county.
And we even managed a ‘happy birthday’ sing to a small child on stage, so a great evening for all.
