SADLY, the most beautiful aspect of the tale is diminished in this version (written by John Field, with music by Mark Ponsford) as the Princess Aurora, played winningly enough by Beth Frampton, sleeps not for 100 years but for only a day or so before she is woken by her prince’s kiss.
Despite lively dancing (Mandy Stokes and Linda Palk choreograph) and a saucy song called Love Letter, full blown pantomime vulgarity isn’t embraced very often either.
However, the show is saved by its happy atmosphere, nurtured by producer Judith Clayton, and innumerable sparkling performances, directed by Wayne Ings Nathanael Barker makes a confident debut as the gorgeously attired Prince Nick, and Natasha Alp, as the rabbit, is another youngster with great presence. Emma Portlock’s principal boy is as good as Colin Pritchard’s dame or Jenni Watson’s villainess.
Merial Shepherd, Heather Whitham and Helen Dunn’s fairies are particularly enjoyable.
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