Sleeping Beauty

Zealous Productions’ pantomimes are quickly becoming a much-anticipated annual tradition in Perth, and Sleeping Beauty is another fabulous Tom Whalley Pantomime that is expertly and excellently executed and an absolute delight to watch.

Featuring an eighties vibe in song choices, with costuming – designed by Katie Elizabeth Williams - being a fun blend of traditional meets 1985. The nostalgia may be an extra bonus for older parents of young families and younger grandparents, and who doesn’t love a bit of Cyndi Lauper or Kylie? The set was simple but well executed and slick, with high quality projections used to establish setting, enhanced by some pretty spectacular (and often fun) lighting designed by Richard Timms.

Intelligent direction from Brendan Hansen and top-class performances mean this is a production that rivals the West End, with clever choreography from Allen Blachford that goes beyond the songs, and beautiful voices, nurtured by Musical Director and Arranger Joshua James Webb.

Amy Fortnum is appropriately beautiful in the title role, a princess lovely inside and out, but who knows her own mind and reveals a fabulous voice. We have of course a fabulous handsome prince, with Cameron Taylor charming as Prince Frederick of Fremantle.

The leading roles are probably the cutely monikered Fairy Nuff and Court Jester, Chester – both of whom quickly become crowd favourites. Maree Cole is an absolute delight and my favourite panto fairy since June Bronhill in 1972 (and as I was two my memory may be fuzzy). Maree also wears some of the best of Manuao Te’Aotonga’s makeup and wig design – fabulous throughout.

Joshua Firman works the crowd beautifully as Chester, with quick wit and wonderful presence.

Elethea Sartorelli is a delicious villain, chewing the scenery in the best possible way, and bouncing off dastardly offsider Lurgy (a strong Tate Bennett), with skill, revelling in the disdain of the audience and spitting it back out in a highly energised performance. 

Queen Doreen is the Dame in this show and is wonderfully played with great gusto by Tim How, a master (or should that be mistress) of double entendre and a raised eyebrow, and glorious characterisation.

A small ensemble adds colour and energy, with song and dance skills that impress throughout.

Lovely to see audience members, of very diverse ages, having a ball and joining in with responding and dancing, and this reviewer was tickled with her mid-show shout-out.

Take your kids, your grandparents, and your next-door-neighbour. An end-of-year treat for everyone, this is a gift of a show.

Kimberley Shaw