Audiences who attend the Prim Raf pantomime Sleeping Beauty have a lot to look forward to.
A new script and original lyrics written by the Producer, Carole Eager; some super performances by a large cast who include some old timers as well as some new to the Callington stage.
Margaret Lawrence, that nice lady, who normally plays a comic or a goodie, is cast as the wicked witch Grimilla, she gives a superb performance, without turning the part into a comic character.
King Coriander and Queen Pirana , who rue the day they forget to send an invitation to the wicked Grimilla, are portrayed by Angus Holland and Meg Baxter.
Angus is well known to the Callington stage and turns in another great performance. Meg Baxter is well cast as his long suffering wife who experiences great difficulty in coping with motherhood. Enter the Dame! Mary Droppins! Miles Bray, a local dentist has forsaken his drills and mouthwash for the glamorous role of the Royal Nanny.
The older princess Ribena, played thoughtfully and gently by Niamh White, gives her no problems, but the twins who follow are more than a handful.
Iain Davis is well cast as the troublesome and argumentative Vic, whilst his twin sister, Verruca, is played by two young Prim Raf members Yasmin May and Stacey Tozer, who share the part.
The show is linked between a hundred years of time by the Butler, Mr Mould.
Ian Baxter, who plays the part, is outstanding. He shepherds the young Prince Guy of Ginster (Katrina Ward) , and his trusty companion Frederick (Simon Isbell), to find the object of his desires.
There are many twists in the plot before boy meets girl. Watch out for that natural comedienne, Paula Beswetherick as Lila White, the Good Fairy. (Eat your heart out Cilla, we have a good match for you right here in Callington!). Enter Dick Turnip and his trusty steed (?) Bess.
Assorted characters include Mr and Mrs Bogeyman, Steve Johnson and Alex Ward, and their seven little bogeys!
Two more mature fairies ( Lynda Dawe and Carole Eager) add to the plot. The main characters are joined in a variety of roles by Abigail Ward, Lee-Anne Ansell (who also play Bess), Rosslyn Cook, Sarah Moir, Susan Palmer, Vicky Parsons, Holly Stephens and Jennifer Cattel.
There is some lovely singing by Katrina and Niamh and the three contestants for the hand of Mary Droppins as well a some energetic whole cast numbers
The set is spectacular. Painted and designed by Meg Baxter and her team, consisting of Sheila Holland and The Baxter Girls.
No performance is possible without the Backstage crew. The musical director is Judith Johns, Stage manager, Harry Thorpe, with the assistance of Jim Knight, Andy Frost and Dave Moss-Baker. The lighting is in the capable hands of Brian Lawrence. Sound and Special Affects, John Buckingham assisted by Michael Gimblett. Wardrobe Hazel Jones, helped by Veronica White and Shirley Cattel. Make up - Stephanie Pipe and helpers. Prompt - Barbara Thorpe. Publicity - Kim Kerr and Box Office - Noakes and Habermehl where tickets are still on sale! JL