In company member Mary Anne Gleeson’s wildly creative reimagining of the classic tale, Princess Aurora (Hannah Fenwick) awakes 10 years too soon, sneaks out of the Palace and embarks upon a secret quest to win four infamous fairytale villains over to the side of good.
But with the evil Fairy Nuff (Arran Abbey) pulling the strings – and the spectacularly stupid Prince Gallant Sparkle Heart (James Gleeson) interfering – the stage is set for a joyously original pantomime that bursts with heart and gleeful silliness, charming an audience of all ages.
Arran Abbey shines as Fairy Nuff and gives a wicked laugh (Image: Michelle Ewen)
With this, her second pantomime for BAMADS, writer-director Gleeson once again proves herself an invaluable creative force – crafting a production brimming with imagination and promise.
In her hands, Sleeping Beauty feels fresh, modern and irreverent – packed with plum roles that give every company member a chance to shine.
Of the cast, Arran Abbey is particularly delicious – infusing Fairy Nuff with a camp villainous energy that thoroughly delighted the Scout troop attending Friday night’s performance.
Chloe Hughes as Bee and Bronte Tranter as Queue (Image: Michelle Ewen)
Thriving on the boos and serving the ultimate wicked laugh, Abbey also displayed a knack for accents while effortlessly slipping into various disguises.
Speaking of accents, musical director Izzy Nash’s portrayal of the Big Bad Wolf gained instant iconic status thanks to her inspired choice to perform the role with a broad Scottish brogue, while Gemma Ewen played The Giant for laughs, with satisfyingly silly trumps and belly burps!
Hannah Smith delivered a fearless, larger-than-life performance as Dame Snuffs/Snoozie – embracing the pantomime dame tradition to full effect – and Hannah Fenwick was a thigh-slappingly good Princess Aurora, bringing confidence and poise to a commanding lead performance.
(L to R) Bronte Tranter, Chloe Hughes, Oliver Matthews and Hannah Smith (Image: Michelle Ewen)
Long-term members such as Herb Moore (Sir Reginald), Chloe Hughes (Wickes/Bee), Bronte Tranter (Homebase/Queue), Jayne Harnick (Queen Daffodil), Leigh Nash (King Thistledown) and Rebekah Denton (The Dragon) were, as ever, reliably excellent – providing a strong, steady foundation that allowed younger members to come into their own.
In particular, Oliver Matthews’ lovably besotted Buttons/Zippy and James Gleeson’s delightfully slapstick Prince Gallant Sparkle Heart both suggest bright futures within the company.
In such a fast-paced production, Ant Gleeson and Gary Cunningham (Helping Hands 1 and 2) deserve special mention for their seamless scene changes, with Mike Nash and Nathan Higham bringing assured expertise to sound and lighting.
Hannah Smith as Dame Snoozie (Image: Michelle Ewen)
Costume and makeup were also top-notch, with Dame Snuffs/Snoozie’s assortment of colourful bloomers and wigs adding to the humour.
Credit is also due for the inventive blend of modern and classic pop music – cleverly reworked with revised lyrics in what was clearly a collaborative effort across the company.
NODA winners Izzy Nash and Jayne Harnick’s musical direction, coupled with choreography by Chloe Hughes, had toes tapping in the stalls at St Michael’s Parish Hall.
It is rare for a brand-new show to hit so many high notes on a first run.
Many congratulations to all involved!
BAMADS’ next production, Legally Blonde, runs from 15-18 July.
