Royal Rescued from Evil Tyrant.
Recently, sell out audiences were delighted to attend D.A.D.S (Dalton Amateur Dramatic Society’s) 23rd annual pantomime. A hilarious rendition of the classic tale Rapunzel, written by Alex Jackson and jointly directed for the third time by Adam Wallis and Rebecca Blenkiron.
The story line took us through the depths of the ‘freaky forest’ after Dreadlock, wickedly play by Jackie Hodgson, kidnapped Rapunzel from her 18th birthday celebration and locked her in a tower. Mrs Hodgson was so convincing in her role she even managed to bring two small children to tears, however thankfully Fairy Hairdo was on hand to save the day. ‘Hairdo’ was beautifully played by the talented Rebecca Blenkiron who on one occasion morphed into Liam Neeson and gave an inspiring speech.
Stalwart of D.A.D.S Stephen Longstaff once again took the role of the dame, giving a hysterical performance as Penny Perm. (The royal hairdresser) Her salon (Blow N Go) was attended by ‘The Bobs’ confidently played by Dave Clarke, Lena Russell and Iain Muirhead. The hapless trio appeared notably dishevelled after Penny Perm managed to dye Bobs hair yellow, pull-out big Bob’s hair and chop off little Bob’s ear. A sequence which had the whole audience in stitches.
The beautiful and spirited Rapunzel, sweetly played by Hollie Wilkinson, soon caught the attention of ‘local good-looking lad’ Flynn Perm (Adam Wallis) who won over Rapunzel by rescuing her from the tower and serenading her with a classic Elvis hit.
Newcomer to the group Will Gardner took on the role of Britney Spurs, Flynn’s horse and loyal companion. It is safe to say that should the real Britney Spears require a new back up dancer she need look no further! The naturally gifted Lucy Tallantire also a newcomer to the group, took on multiple roles as a villager and Dreadlock’s evil sprite. Martin Wallis and Ann Myers gave great performances as the hen-pecked King Quiff and interrupting and dominant Queen Curly.
The cast were superbly supported backstage by Susan Stanwix and prompt (Janet Patterson) dedicatedly followed the script but redundancy looms in the air, as she barely had to speak throughout the four performances. Ellie Blenkiron and 11 year old Fred Lamb excelled in their roles as musical director and lighting director, the pair had everything under control from the word go and never faulted. The scenery painted by Karen Kipling, costumes provided by Eileen Stokell and make-up by Emma Hodgson combined to provide a colourful and professional production.
The four sell out performances leave the audiences already trying to book for next year.
