Parents around the Peak District are well aware that an annual family treat is on their doorstep. The Buxton Opera House pantomime is a yearly must-see for those looking for some festive frivolity. It is very pleasing to say that the 2022 offering – Sleeping Beauty – is another production from the top drawer that has families flocking to its performances.
Paul Kerryson and Sarah Kell have combined to produce a pantomime of the very best. Much of the storyline follows the traditional tale. The King (Andrew Sharpe) and Queen (Jennifer Hague) are delighted that they have a new daughter to present to their subjects and invite all of the fairies of the land to the naming ceremony. Unfortunately for the young child, the evil Carabossy (James Holmes) is missing from the guest list and enacts her revenge by placing a curse on the child that she will die on her eighteenth birthday. Fairy Liquid (played by understudy Megan Reidy) – aided by Palace handyman Jock (Matthew Jay Ryan) and his friend Thomas the Cat (Aidan Bailey) – intervenes to take away some of the curse so that the adult Princess (Georgia Gallagher) will merely sleep and will be awakened if kissed by a handsome prince.
That man is Prince Gorgeous (Ross Clifton) and the Second Act produces some novel twists that see Carabossy do her worst as she tries to prevent the Prince from rescuing the Princess from her fate and take her hand in marriage. Some good use of lighting allows quick changes of costume and the arrival of a prince-eating dragon has the younger members of the audience squealing in delight.
Holmes is a regular in the Christmas productions and commands the stage as he holds the audience in the palm of his hands with a deliciously over-the-top performance. Ryan is another who is a regular at the Opera House. A very likeable character, he is key to the children getting involved in the action and does a top job. Gallagher is a beautiful Princess with the voice of an angel and special praise to Reidy who was better than good as the good fairy. Having handed out that praise, it has to be said that there is not a weak link in the cast with all members able to show off their excellent musical theatre talents backed by a versatile and vivacious ensemble.
This was a hugely entertaining production and could be enjoyed by all ages with no near-the-knuckle jokes and a score that beautifully fitted in with the action. With a multitude of opportunities to shout “He’s behind you” and “Oh yes he is”, lots of audience participation including dancing and a singalong and a real feelgood air, this was family entertainment at its best with family groupings of several generations wallowing in the atmosphere.
Congratulations to all concerned with this pantomime. You have created a Beauty of a show and the people of the Peak have shown their appreciation with packed audiences.
The production has a running time of 2 hours 20 minutes including interval and continues until January 1st. For ticket information contact 01298 72190 or buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
