Beauty and the beast:

On 14th December, me and my best friend Robyn went to Cast Doncaster to see ‘Beauty and the beast’ the family pantomime. The theatre script was written by Neil Hurst and Tess Seddon directed

Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote the first version of the fairy tale beauty and the beast, but it was adapted and abridged by Jeanne Marie le Prince de Beaumont, a French novelist. This is the tale we are most familiar. Influenced by ‘Cupid and psyche’ Ancient Greek stories, and the second century AD ‘The golden ass’. In terms of folktales, 4000 years ago it is estimated to have originated – and to this day there are still plentiful variants all around the world

The pantomime was spectacular, the acting superb. ‘Dame Cherie Trifle’ (Ben Eagle) was hilarious, as was ‘Philippe Philoppe’ (Harry Gascoigne), with fantastic frolics and fun throughout. ‘Emile’ (Max Gallagher) was everything you want in a baddie, and more. Arrogant, narcissistic, with a wicked laugh and a pompous pose. ‘Fairy Nuff’ (Claire Storey) was an absolute delight, a breath of fresh air, with her kindness and calming presence. ‘Beauty’ (Zweyla Mitchell dos Santos) was elegant and mesmerising, the ‘Beast’ (Kofi Dennis) transformed from irritable, moody and impatient to charismatic, charming and compassionate. With a brilliant modern song playlist, to fabulous costumes and aesthetics, it certainly did not disappoint.

Me and Robyn were on aisle seats near the front so we were frightened they’d pick on us, haha! As it happens, the poor bloke in front of us was ushered up onto the stage, handed a pink apron and shower cap and encouraged to dance and make a slight fool of himself, ha!

There was great audience participation, as with all pantomimes.. He’s behind you! Oh no he isn’t! Oh yes he is! Plus, as expected, rivalry in a sing off at the end – those on the left versus those on the right of the theatre! Amazing 😁

Aladdin:

On 21st December, me, my best friend Robyn, Matty, Chris and Joanne went to see Doncaster’s Little Theatre Christmas pantomime of Aladdin. My friend matty was especially looking forward to it

The story of Aladdin originates from the Arabian Nights, One Thousand and One Nights, enchanting Middle Eastern tales. The French translation of 1704 by Antoine Galland popularised the tale. In early versions surprisingly it is set in China (not Disney’s Agrabah) and features a lazy boy residing with his mum, not the orphaned favourable ‘rags to riches’ Street urchin we know today

The cast of the Little Theatre’s amateur production include; Aladdin, Wishee Washee, Widow Twanky, Abanazar, Princess Jasmine, Sultan Pepper, Policeman Snap, Policeman Crackle, Genie of the lamp, slave of the ring, and Duck Norris.

In particular, I was impressed by Paul Stelling’s Abanazar (a banana!) – he was very convincing in his portrayal of a baddie, with deep voiced powerful projection of his words. Likewise, the pantomime dame, Widow Twanky, was highly enjoyable to watch, and the Genie of the lamp flamboyant and sassy

However, it was quite evident Aladdin was only an amateur performance and not in the same league as say Cast, but for what it was, it was really good fun 😀

The Wizard of Oz:

The Wizard of Oz 1939, an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1990 children’s fantasy book, is one of my favourite films of all time. Young kansas farm girl Dorothy (Judy Garland) wooshed away with her little dog Toto to the magical world of Oz. Ruby slippers, the yellow brick road, emerald city, the wicked witch of the west, munchkin land – fragments of the story embedded firmly in most of our psyches. It truly is a terrific tale

I must say ‘The wonderful wizard of oz…the panto!’ by Hatfield Woodhouse Phoenix Theatre Group, to which me, my best friend Robyn and her parents attended on 7th January, was the best amateur production I have ever seen!

The girl who played Dorothy (Faith Cousins) had a beautiful voice, I was spellbound listening to her ‘Over the rainbow’ 🌈 The props, scenery and costumes were out of this world. The producer/ director Tina Bradbury, actually noted the incredible effort of the backstage team, ahead of schedule weeks before the opening performance – cast learning their lines and songs eagerly – phoenix members sacrificing their own precious time to paint and make scenery

It was so funny and highly entertaining. Custard pies thrown out into the audience, water pistols squirted.. the cowardly lion running petrified all around the premises! There was a flying house (extremely clever effects), creativity with expressing the cyclone, ribbons gushing- flying monkeys, cool hip munchkin outfits, and blue mohawk wigs. It was incredible. The acting was top notch – the cowardly lion, scarecrow and tin man executed perfectly, and Chloe Allen as ‘Grotbag’ the wicked witch, booed and heckled. In fact, the entire cast were awesome. I was so impressed and would 100% go to another Phoenix Theatre Group production 😄

Puss in Boots:

On 26th January, me, my best friend Robyn, Chris, another Chris and John and siobhan attended the Little theatre for a ‘backyard’s production’ Puss in Boots pantomime.

Our lovely friend Jack played both the king and Scottish ogre. He was marvellous as the ogre, with such a distinctive Scottish accent, even if the scary green mask frightened some children in the audience!

I must admit, you could definitely tell it was only an amateur production, but they tried their best. The music choices were nice, as we’re the costumes, and the singing voices were mostly in tune. Also, the dame was particularly decent. The actual plot was rather inventive and impressive. Felix the cat, persuading his master (not really royalty) Harry to slay the nasty ogre to win the princess’s hand in marriage. Very fitting for a pantomime. It was quite clever however and artistic, the ogre being defeated by magically turning into a mouse in the transformation cupboard! The show concluded with a good old sing song! 😄

I am so excited because on 1st February me and Robyn are off with two more of our friends, Sheridan and Tyler, to the lyceum theatre Sheffield to see a professional performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.. 🥰 The ‘Vivienne’ playing the wicked witch of the west, I can’t wait!

So please, look out for another theatre review coming very soon. I am also on with a Lion diamond art, so watch this space! 🎨💎🦁

Thank you as always for reading/viewing. All the best, Lauren xx

© 2024 Lauren Parr/ https://unicornpostbox.com