Written by Chris Sutton
The festive season doesn’t begin when Boney M wreaks havoc with your senses in your local shopping mall; it is heralded in with the opening night of KickstArt’s annual pantomime. This year’s production, Sleeping Beauty, is the company’s 11th panto.
The beautifully glossy programme displays a cast and production team that is largely intact from previous shows. But don’t let this lull you into anticipating ‘more of the same’ because, whilst the show is quintessentially KickstArt, this offering is different.
The sets and lighting are on par with the best we have seen at The Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre and the actors ooze enthusiasm, stirring up audience participation for young and old. Darren King is reliably camp and witty, always managing to slip in quips that are saucy but nice and up to speed with current affairs. Journeyman Lyle Buxton provides stability in his customary role as a leading man. Bryan Hiles deviates from the amiable characters he has played in the past to take on the role of a nervous and quirky travelling companion. Belinda Henwood thrives in her role as the Fairy Godmother. Her earthy execution of the part is enhanced by what must be the most striking pair of eyes I have ever seen. Graeme Wicks plays the role of rabble rouser in the part of Huckleby Hopscotch and does a fine job of opening the show with boundless energy.
The wit is particularly fast and furious at the opening of the 2nd half so treat yourself to a cup of coffee at interval to keep your wits sharp.
Malificent’s Dragon is a magnificent addition to the set. This 12 foot monster is beautifully made and features in a duel to the death with Prince Robin. The Dragon’s death throes steal a scene when, like an errant spinnaker, it gets wrapped around some set draping. The lively and good humoured audience took this impromptu twist in true panto style and applauded the recovery. This ends with the Dragon losing its head; theatrical coincidence with the chopping of heads that has taken place at our local newspaper, where the arts department has recently been decimated.
So what is different ? It is the music. I got the impression that I was experiencing parallel universes; Prince Robin and Princess Rose singing the customary romantic duets interspersed with the cast performing popular songs from current times. The manner in which these are interlaced with both the traditional fairy tale and panto genre is for me the stand out feature of the show and sets the production up a notch from many of the others.
Steven Stead, Greg King and team have presented us with a panto that will lift you out of your comfort zone and entrance you with their incredible talents that continue to provide audiences with top class entertainment. In true Durban style they have added a zing to tradition and should be applauded for their courage to do things differently
Highly recommended for young and old.
Go to Pubmat’s website for more details :
https://www.pubmat.co.za/kickstart-presents-sleeping-beauty/
Thanks to Sophie and Illa for a fantastic evening !
