Sleeping Beauty at Lighthouse Poole is the perfect family treat during the post-Christmas lull
FESTIVE fun and seasonal sparkles delighted audiences at Lighthouse Poole’s wonderful seasonal pantomime Sleeping Beauty.
Combining a first class cast with superb dance routines and a bespoke script, this show is an absolute cracker offering two hours of utter escapism in the post-Christmas lull.
Written and directed by Cbeebies star and Lighthouse patron Chris Jarvis, the show manages to feel intimate and locally inspired while also boasting plenty of the razzmatazz with brilliant dance routines, a huge fire-breathing dragon puppet, and streamers that burst from the ceiling.
Also playing the role of panto dame Nanny Nutkins with wonderful gusto, Chris has created a brilliant script which takes its inspiration from the traditional fairy tale and then introduces a good measure of 21st Century fun – from Ken the AI Prince Charming to Princess Rose’s excitement at the prospect of a visit to Tower Park!
All the usual elements of the story are there, a slightly hapless king, a beautiful princess, good and evil fairies, spinning wheels, a lengthy snooze and a dashing prince to come to the rescue.
However, there are also lots of new twists and turns – from Princess Rose’s enforced stay on Brownsea Island where she befriends the locals, to Carabosse’s attempts to woo Princes Charming with an all you can eat buffet date!
Sporting Doc Marten boots and a fantastical array of wonderful costumes, Chris Jarvis was spot on as the panto dame, and alongside him TV star Todd Carty (Grange Hill, Eastenders, The Bill) played the role of bumbling King Tucker brilliantly. His Right Said Fred-inspired wallpapering scene with Josh Haberfield was one of the show’s most memorable moments – executed with perfect comic timing!
Injecting maximum menace into the role of evil fairy Carabosse was the wonderful Sarah Louise Young, who commanded the stage with every appearance. Meanwhile, acting as her do-gooding counterpart, Melaina Percorini was a delight as the upbeat Fairy Sunbeam.
Isabella Kibble was an endearing Princess Rose – dancing and singing beautifully but also getting involved in all the onstage banter.
Local talent Josh Haberfield was perfect as Happy Harry clowning around with great enthusiasm – which guaranteed he was a huge hit with young and old. His big personality and stage presence really shone through – especially in the brilliant 12-days of Christmas song, alongside Dame Nanny Nutkins and Princess Rose.
Completing the principal cast, Tom Mann was a living breathing Ken, the AI prince who showed he had real heart with his love for Princess Rose. Supporting the excellent cast, the young ensemble danced and sung with enthusiasm and grace, adding extra sparkle to this wonderful panto.
For my eight-year old son who came along with me it really was panto perfection, with plenty of slapstick comedy and a hefty helping of audience participation that meant he was fully immersed from the offset. When I told him I was reviewing the show he offered up some very enthusiastic praise and said it was one of his favourite parts of Chritsmas!
Even after weeks of frenzied Christmas activity I have to say that I loved Sleeping Beauty too – it had all the elements of a superb show. For Lighthouse Poole’s full programme visit www.lighthousepoole.co.uk or call the box office on 01202 280000.
