Sleeping Beauty, presented by Newton Abbot and District Musical Comedy Society, really did deliver.
The whole company, from the off, burst on stage with energy and clear enjoyment at the Alexandra Theatre.
The script was well-handled by Steve Wreford (director) with some interesting twists to the traditional which worked really well!
There was plenty of well-known musical moments which were sung wonderfully well, backed by the tight, talented, band, under the control of musical director Jeff Hocking.
Choreography, designed and executed by Elizabeth Law, was certainly on-pointe and full of life, with The Kids Are United being, for me, a reall high point in the show (getting any Sham 69 song into a panto must be applauded!).
The principal cast were chosen well and each and every one gave their all to their characterisation and performance, blending into each other with ease.
As always, with NADMCS, each performer was on par with the others so everyone shone and entertained the audience, who were often in a state of humour, wonderment or awe!
Jane Maisey who had the challenging task of playing the traditional dame normally reserved for a man. The clever use of script change and an excellent delivery of the character meant we were drawn into Nurse Hattie’s life without even noticing this deviation from the original.
Jasmine Kewell gave a sumptuous performance as the deliciously evil Witch Hazel with her counterpoint of Fairy Lilac portrayed in all her sparkliness by Meghan Carty. Katy Parr delivered her usual enormously energetic and fun performance as Muddles, and both Amber Blackshaw and Sophie Hayden played their respective Princesses to a tee.
Fetch and Carrie were daftness personified through Charlie Dinnie and Nadine Potter. Steve Smith and Amanda Malcolm were delightful as the typically aloof, yet clueless, King Cactus and Queen Marigold.
Finally David and James Schofield worked their musical know how into the roles of Minstrel to the dashing Price Alexis.
The principals were backed by an extremely strong chorus, senior dancers,and junior troupe, which added to the overall strength of the show.
Lighting was spot-on and the use of projection added to the visual feast, alongside excellent sound.
Once again, NADMCS have proven that live theatre is incredibly strong in the town and is something that the public clearly craves and deserves.
l Newton Abbot Town Councillor Mike Joyce, who was spotted in the crowd and enjoyed some audience participation, said afterwards: ‘I was blown away. It was an absolutely brilliant show and showcased what fantastic talent we have in this town.’
Review ANDREW MALCOLM
PICTURES: SIMON DAY PHOTOGRAPHY