IT’S panto time again in Holsworthy and this year Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society (HATS) have chosen to present ‘Sleeping Beauty’ in a new version by Stephen Duckham which has all of the ingredients of a magical family pantomime, writes Christine Williams.

As usual an outstanding feature is the dazzling array of costumes, the exceptional work of the 13 ladies of the wardrobe team under Mary Barfett. The sets, especially the royal throne room and the glittering palace ballroom, the lighting and sound effects all add to the spectacle and small band of six players under the baton of Terina Ellacott accompany some fine singing of a wide selection of songs ranging from G&S to Status Quo.

The cast of 27 includes some familiar faces as well as some newcomers making their panto debut. Directing the show there could not, however, be a more experienced team than the Painter family, Rob, Sue and Amy Clarke and Terina.

The show opens with the Lord Chamberlain (Phil Barfett) officiating at the christening of the baby Aurora in the presence of King Septimus the seventeenth played by Peter Whitehead, the henpecked husband of bossy Queen Sybil the sixth, delightfully played by Eve Earles.

A highlight of the show is their performance ‘You’re Getting to Be a Habit with Me’. There too with fairies Moonlight, Sunlight and Starlight (Brooke Pengilly, Jazmine Willetts and Rosie Davies) is the Fairy Queen (Kim Whiting) who promises to ensure that the baby will grow up into a happy, loving and beautiful princess. But the mood changes with the arrival of the Wicked Fairy Carabosse superbly played with plenty of venom by Jodie Lawson and her malicious sidekick Raven (Lesley Wonnacott).

Despite their villainy, which is met with a chorus of ‘boos’ from the audience every time they appear on the stage, the two of them form an impressive comedy duo. Lesley does not utter a single word but her squawks and evil facial expressions amply convey her meaning.

Fast forward to the celebrations of the 18th birthday of Princess Aurora played by Charley Gear who uses her sweet voice to good effect. Among those present is Barney, the impish and energetic court jester (Dan Hunt) who quickly establishes a rapport with the audience.

Next to arrive is Nanny Nora, the dame role played by Michael Wonnacott who appears in flamboyant costumes, the first of seven an incredible five-tiered birthday cake dress. She has taken a fancy to Barney and the two of them are the source of much of the comedy. Now that Aurora is 18 years old there is talk of marriage and a competition of suitors in the style of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ takes place.

So lederhosen clad Boris from Bavaria, terribly English Lionel with briefcase and bowler hat and Andy from Australia (Ethan Broad) in khaki shorts and sunglasses perform before the three judges, king, queen and princess.

All three soon receive the buzzer and are dismissed, but fortunately a latecomer arrives and it is love at first sight. He is the handsome Prince Michael, played by Bethany Lock, who is every inch a principal boy who can sing and slap her thigh with panache.

Princess Aurora pricks her finger on the spinning wheel brought to the palace by Carabosse disguised as an old woman and the fairy queen saves the day by putting everyone to sleep for 100 years.

A century later Prince Michael slashes his way through a century of undergrowth and awakes her with a kiss. But Carabosse has not finished and kidnaps the princess and whisks her away to her lair occupied by sprites (Shannon Willetts and Ella Masters).

King, queen, prince, jester and nanny set off to rescue her and have to evade an ugly Beast (Bradley Bile) in the ‘Petrified Forest’ giving the audience the chance to shout the obligatory ‘It’s behind you!’ All ends happily of course and the cast in stunning Cadbury’s purple costumes sing ‘Rockin’ All Over The World’ as they walk down and receive the well earned applause of the audience then bring the show to an end with a moving rendition of ‘You Raise Me Up’.

Other members of the cast are; Bridget Barkwell, Simon Brooking, Becky Gear, Pam Johns, Charles Jeffery-Hudson, Ella Masters, Kirstie Stone and Tracey Wosnitzka. Congratulations were expressed once again to the Painter family for another successful production. But every show depends on the large number of mostly unseen people who beaver away to produce, install, light and create the wonderful sets, promote the show, sell tickets, programmes and so much else, all of them helping to keep the tradition of pantomime alive in Holsworthy. The show runs until Saturday evening, February 8, and a few tickets are still available.