The curtain rose on the wonderful world of pantomime in the granite city last weekend bringing festive fun to audiences young and old at the city’s three much loved theatre’s .
And you’ll certainly be in for a sweet treat if you choose to go and see the hilarious hair-raising production of Rapunzel at Aberdeen Arts Centre.
Just like a tin of Christmas Quality Street it’s a delight as soon as it’s opened and provides a magical blend of traditional joy contained within sensational sets and wrapped up in eye catching colourful costumes.
The cast of sparkling characters bring the classic story of Rapunzel to life in true pantomime fashion with a wicked mix of West End musical hits cheesy local one liners, topical gags a touch of romance and slapstick performances.
The fairytale’s classic line “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!” is central to the tangled tale that unfolds in the Kingdom of Happily Ever After as brave Rapunzel (beautifully performed by Melissa Buchan) escapes the tower from the evil Queen Gothel (played by the talented Megan Wright) and goes on to have her most amazing day ever!
There is a soft centred undercurrent of feminism mixed into the script , with the line "Rapunzel can rescue herself" getting rapturous applause from the audience young and old.
Philip Napier is a masterful Nurse Nelly, the Panto Dame, and is central to all the fun and action. The Dame's costumes are particularly noteworthy with the afternoon tea ensemble, sporting wonderful 'Belgian Buns' being my favourite, though I'm not sure James the 'international' audience member from Belfast was that keen on Nurse Nelly's buns!
Local dance company, Danz Creations (Director Lee Simpson) provide glittering support for some of the musical hits. Caitlyn Louise Boyd packs a small but mighty punch as the fabulous Chester the Jester, Xander Gordon puts in a strong performance as the lovable rouge Fin Flyer who hides his real identity by claiming to the 'Prince of a Kingdom Far Far Away' and saddle up for Sarah Ord's characterisation and performance as Max the Horse which made us laugh out loud.
Aberdeen Arts Centre and Talegate Productions should be rightly proud of this years technically brilliant pantomime which has you laughing at every joke, applauding every song and whooping (or booing) whenever a character walks on . Be sure to grab a bag of Aberdeen Arts Centre's own festive Pick 'n Mix which will add extra Magic Moments to an entertaining, vibrant family panto that deserves hearty applause that is as long as Rapunzel’s beautiful locks.
Rapunzel is presented by Talegate Theatre, running until Sunday 24 December. Buy your tickets here.
Review by Shona Byrne, Aberdeen Inspired