Sleeping Beauty
There is an air of celebration as this touring production comes home to Colne, after merry weeks at Oswaldtwistle Civic and the Prince of Wales in Rugeley. Colne’s Municipal Hall is where producer/writer/funny man George Critchley started his career in pantomimes. As is customary at the Muni, he takes over the role of Simple Simon.
Critchley is in the form of his life, bouncy and effervescent, scattering jokes, puns and ad-libs at will. It is roller coaster humour all the way and, indeed, a roller coaster of a plot. Tap-dancing penguins? They make a nice change.
Samantha Reps has the best female role in any pantomime - the Wicked Queen. She is dynamite - a bewitching mover and with a voice, whether singing or speaking, to make anyone shiver with delight. Her rendition of I Put a Spell On You, with support from a spirited team of local dancers, is quite extraordinary. Ravishing movement and delicious drama.
Critchley gives his cast fun characters with a clear comic profile and storybook integrity. Adam Borzone makes an excellent foil as Lord Chamberpot, a silly ass in the best pantomime tradition.
Not surprisingly, the audience is gripped from first to last. All eyes are on the stage.
Production information
- By:
- George Critchley, who also directs
- Management:
- PMA Productions Ltd
- Cast:
- Hannah Hobley, Claire-Louise Mealor, Mark Homer, Samantha Reps, Adam Borzone, Gavin Coles, George Critchley, Neil Clench, Sophie Mae-Meeson
- Design:
- Matt Lloyd
- Costumes:
- Irene Whitehall
- Choreography:
- Karen Heritage
- Musical direction:
- Andrew Morrison
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Run sheet
- Civic Oswaldtwistle
- December 9-19 2009
- Prince of Wales Cannock
- December 24-31 2009
- Municipal Hall Colne
- January 8-24 2010
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