The Stage
Once regarded solely as a receiving house, Wakefield Theatre Royal has put on a number of its own shows in recent years.
Having an in-house pantomime signalled the move in that direction and the Theatre Royal panto has become a trusted,
widely respected show.
At its heart is a firm belief in the magic and romance of whatever story is being told. This year Laura Medforth as
Fairy Spindleberry and John Griffiths as King Cole see to that. They remind everyone that goodness will eventually
triumph. The two leads, Carly Bawden and Oliver Savile, play their parts with touching integrity.
There is much laughter in the script - some clever rhyming and alliterative routines, delivered by Gavin Spokes and
the aforementioned Griffiths, will appeal to all ages and will delight traditionalists. Good jokes are all very well but
panto needs its routines.
Something big is usually built to surprise the audience and this year a huge scary dragon appears on stage and
frightens everyone - until the Prince recognises it as his own pet dragon from childhood. Then they all fly home on
the dragon and we all sing a silly song. What a thoroughly smashing pantomime this is.
[Kevin Berry] |
