It’s time to rock ‘n’ roll again as Panto season rolls around at the New Wolsey Theatre. This year it’s Sleeping Beauty with a marvellous, modern script full of fun by Vikki Stone and a set that is a riot of colour and promises a great night!
Photo Credit: Georgy Jamieson – Set built and painted by Liverpool Scenic Workshops
It doesn’t disappoint. The whole show is on point and one of the New Wolsey’s best pantos I’ve seen in many years.
Director, CEO and Artistic Director of the New Wolsey, Doug Rintoul makes this a pacey show with lots of action and huge dollops of humour, like the cream on a mince pie. I also loved the songs this year that were belted out by strong voices and contained some surprises – The Scientist by Coldplay in a panto anyone?
I must start with the two dames – yes we get a two for one offer in this show and double the dame fun. Craig Anderson as Rosie carries the task of linking the show together, almost like a compere, and has terrific fun with the audience. He’s cheeky and mischievous, as a Dame should be.
Photo Credit: Craig Anderson Will Green Photography
Our other Dame is a real baddie, Max Gallagher as Thornica is pure evil and so glamorous. As the wicked fairy, who doesn’t get invited to the royal christening, Thornica bides her time and exacts her revenge in a style that puts me in mind of the iconic Joan Collins as Alexis in Dynasty. Max also has a fantastic voice and it’s not often I rock out to a panto dame.
Photo Credit: Max Gallagher Will Green Photography
Mya Fox-Scott is a modern day Princess Aurora with a strong character and a will to break away from the confines of her childhood. On the eve of her 18th birthday she sneaks into the forest and plays the flirty, feisty character perfectly.
Her best friend is a fiery, friendly, gorgeous Dragon, Milo, who you can’t help but warm too ( pun intended), charmingly played by Laura Gomez Gracia, and was a particular favourite of mine.
Photo Credit: Mya Fox-Scott and Laura Gómez Gracia – Will Green Photography
Another favourite character was Signe Larsson, who plays the Queen, but stands out as Jimmy James, companion to Prince Toby, played with a nice comic touch by Alexander Zane. The ‘horsing around’ with the horses is hilarious as are the jodhpurs and walk.
Photo Credit: Signe Larsson – Will Green Photography
The whole cast are wonderful, doubling up with parts, acting, singing, dancing and playing multi-instruments. It’s always a source of wonder to me how the New Wolsey find such amazingly multi talented cast members every year.
Sleeping Beauty at the New Wolsey Theatre runs until Saturday 18th January – get yourself a ticket and prepare to be dazzled.
Tickets are available online at the New Wolsey Theatre Website or call the box office on 01473 295900 – dates and performance times vary – check the website for details
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