ACT Theatre Reviews 2021-2022

when to hush the audience, and when to carry on. The beauty of pantomime is that other characters, with less dialogue, get to shine. Kimberley Ross and Karen Abaelu, as the bumbling duo Spit and Polish, worked well as a team. Paul Wood, as the King and Daniel Cope, as the Lord Chamberpot, were confident and engaging. Both had developed their characters since I saw “Sleeping Beauty – the film” from last year and had more audience impact. Central to the story is the romance of Prince Valiant and Princess Aurora. I always expect a good thigh slap from the principal boy and Jem Marshall-Ayre did not disappoint. She superbly supported Kat Rawling as the princess. Both actors were confident and comfortable in dialogue delivery and singing. Pantomime is often a way in to theatre for people. Sometimes playing what you would call a “small role” can have a BIG impact. In this production Jessica Truter, as the Town Crier, was excellent. Her confidence was bigger than her and the audience was in no doubt as to what the village news was. She projected well and delivered clear dialogue. Something I would like to highlight is that this group endeavour to be inclusive. During the run there was a “relaxed” performance. Not everyone can cope with the noise and loudness of a production such as this. I believe that things get scaled back and that the production is not quite as forceful as others; quieter dialogue, sound and lighting. To champion such an approach to theatre is to be applauded. At the end of every production, I listen to those around me and gauge the audience reaction. At the end of this evening the audience was very complimentary. I am sure that the director, Daniel Oliver-Grant was pleased with the overall result. Well done, everyone!

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