A lively performance of Leonard H. Caddy's scripted version of this well-known pantomime with Julie Ackerley as the brave-hearted Jack joining Lindsay Downes as the Princess Carolette in well sung solos and duets.
Comedy was in the more than capable hands of Alan Davies as Dame Poppy and Jimmy Tait as the stuttering herald, Eustace Clotworthy, plus an unlikely pair of policemen, Hurly and Burly, played by Tony Barrow and Susie Jones respectively.
Kelly Barnes gave a menacing performance as the evil witch, departing from pantomime tradition by making her entrances from stage right which is the usual domain of the the good fairy, Fairy Flintspark, delightfully played by Ann Rowe.
Good support came from Anne Peers as the Princess' companion Jenny, Graham Wright as King Oliver Doo-Dah, Edna Taylor as the sometimes wicked Queen Maud and Alan Peters as the Wizard Washout with a twist in the tale of the script and the tail of the pantomime cow who turned out to be another good fairy, personified by choreographer, Liz Cassidy.
Chorus numbers were bright and breezy highlighted by delightful ballet dancing by newcomers Clare Little and Laura Manly.
Musical accompaniment by Heather Whyte and Tim Dowson was spot on, the sets were good and the entire show was well costumed. Well done all round.
© NODA Northwest
