Rip van Winkle and the Sleeping Beauty

NODA review:

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Author: Bruce Wyatt for Chris Davies

It was my first visit to Alvechurch Village Hall, which was both welcoming and comfortable. This was the sixth in a sequence of home-grown pantomimes, jointly written by Paul Chamberlain and Chris Davies, who managed convincingly to direct it and take part, although Chris would be the first to admit it grew with the help of others in addition to Paul along the way. In this tale of two sleepy characters, the heroes meet and join forces from the evil clutches of a wicked elf and an embittered sister. Throw in two talking trees, a brace of not too bright guards, a pair of princesses and a duo of dancing elves, not to mention a panto unicorn and a Punch and Judy show, and you pretty well cater for everyone.

There were in fact over 20-character roles and to highlight some individual performances would be unfair as all the performers put energy into their lines and came over well.  Loads of corny panto jokes were also well divided amongst the main characters and well received by the lively first night audience.

I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the stage which was put to great use when switching from the various scenes, following a very funny opening scene entitled ‘Trickly Elves Dancing’ based on the popular ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ programme. This took place in the palace which had a good looking well painted set, as did all the other scenes including the enchanted forest, the cabin and dungeon.

Sound and lighting were both in good hands and the costumes throughout were excellent (despite some amusing complaints from the cast during the performance!). The music was provided by guitar and melodeon, which I was pleased were also played during the scene changes, which were in any event smoothly carried out.

The show concluded with a panto song sheet ‘On the first night of panto…’ for all to follow, based on the twelve days of Christmas, which reminded us of the characters. I thought it was a little unfortunate that as the audience appeared to be concentrating on the words so much, they were unable to applaud the performers as they took their bows, who all deserved a good ovation. Never-the-less I am sure that those on stage appreciated the general reaction to the whole show and congratulations are due also to all the front of house and back stage teams.

Village Magazine Review:

A pantomime unicorn walks into a bar. The barman says: “Would you like a pint?” “No thanks,” says the unicorn, “I’d rather have two halves!” That’s the way to do it! And the jokes, mischievous political jibes and madcap humour kept on coming in Alvechurch Dramatic Society’s latest festive production: Rip van Winkle and the Sleeping Beauty.

Imaginatively co-written by Chris Davies and Paul Chamberlain, the sixth of the Society’s home-grown pantos – staged at Alvechurch Village Hall from 24–26 November gleefully merged two ancient fairytales on the theme of slumber. Despite the fearful sleeping potion, there was no risk of the audience dropping off in this sumptuously staged, Rip-roaring romp. From
the opening scene, set in the competitive mayhem of a “Trickly Elves Dancing” contest in the mythical Kingdom of Nod, to the grand finale wedding, and a splendid alternative rendition of The 12 Days of Christmas, the swashbuckling action brought an ever-louder stream of boos, huzzahs and cheers from the gallery.

The saga of two heroes battling the malevolent intentions of wicked elf Grimm (Leah Yendell) and Princess Aurora’s resentful younger sister Princess Furora (Emma-Louise Hodson) featured a range of entertaining double acts. From talking trees and numbskull courtiers to the gallant Prince Charming (Gail Rogers) and his nemesis Prince Alarming (Jo Bestwick), not forgetting the two-in-one bonus of a delightful panto unicorn, the antics even included the much-loved historic seaside duo, Punch and Judy.

Is our local Am-Dram troupe keeping the age-old tradition of community panto alive and kicking for people of all ages to enjoy? Oh yes it is!