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SLEEPING BEAUTY (JANUARY 1964) |
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Robin Aldworth's second pantomime, and our most successful one to date, “Sleeping Beauty” broke all previous box office records and made a very handsome profit. This was due in no small measure to the vigorous publicity work by Derek Brewer (also stage manager) and his team. Aided by Gerry Hearson (recumbent upon a camp bed, and clutching a well concealed hot water bottle) for several weeks before the show they distributed some 6,000 handbills in the local shopping centres, and aroused a great deal of interest with their “live exhibit” which all goes to show that wholehearted and lively advertising pays. |
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On stage, “Sleeping Beauty” was a colourful and mobile show, and Mike Bartlett's lighting effects were up to their usual high standard. One “find” of this show was Ron Davis who proved himself a genius at producing virtually anything! If you wanted wands to sprinkle glitter, or a device to release streamers, just ask Ron, and a couple of weeks later there it was - and it worked! |
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Much more use was made of sound effects, and very successful ones they were - Peter Robinson, Sage the Page, had a magic trumpet which performed wonderfully, except for the last night when everyone on stage waited for that magnificent fanfare which never came. Speaking of mishaps, we shall never forget Vic Randall and the bell-rope which broke twice when he was suspended by it. He “went down” well with the audience who thought it was intentional. |
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Vic Randall and Jean McLaren as the King and Queen had a delicious duet and were well cast. Gerry Hearson's evil and sinister witch had the children quaking in their seats, and earned a special ovation from the adults. |
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Ron Jager was the Prince, and Rita Smith a pretty Princess Chrystal. Ron was supported in his song “I've an Idea” (written especially for us) by a robust chorus of huntsmen - just an excuse for a drinking scene which no show can do without. |
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Don Goodman did sterling work both inside the dragon skin and with the sound effects, and although all the chorus “slept” on stage, the audience sat up and enjoyed the show - altogether an extremely successful and very enjoyable production. |
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DORIS SEAMAN |