Sleeping Beauty in the Wood

Prima Donna Productions is predominantly a youth theatre company, which has become quite a presence in the Murray district in the past ten years. Featuring kids from 7 to 18 in this production, the emphasis is on involvement and all in the cast of over thirty performers demonstrated an excellent on-stage commitment.

This WA written pantomime, by Tony Nicholls, was localised even further with a clever dig at neighbouring town Dwellingup. A contender for an award for the most complex plot in panto history, the story was effectively conveyed and the audience kept well entertained.

Prima Donna is developing some impressive young performers including Cassie Power who was adept at holding the audience in the palm of her hand, in the Dame role of Queen Orient. As well as possessing the gift of comic timing Cassie's fairy god others seem to have blessed Cassie with superb costume designing skills, which she used to give her character constantly changing over-the-top costumes, which became a highlight of the show. She was nicely partnered by Christopher Riley as King Leyton.

The villainess - "Rottnest" Fairy Carabosse, was played with relish by Zoe Lyons, while her offsides, a smart-mouthed broom was gorgeously played by little Indi Thompson.

Heroic Prince Meridian was played by dashing and handsome Caleb Perkins and another excellent Tonto performance was delivered by Bella Lambert as the Prince's clever little dog, Pug.

Princess Aurora was played by Ruby Liddelow in a performance reminiscent of a young Anne Hathaway. Other standouts included palace guard Dayna Draper, outspoken Nelson the Pirate - Liam McCormack and Jess Pens delightful cameo as the Great White Shark.

Some cute choreography, some of which was devised by the young actors, sweet costuming and wonderful attitudes helped make this a very watchable show.

A nicely produced panto that showcased some lovely stars of the future.

Kimberley Shaw

images: Cassie Power as Queen Orient and Chris Riley as King Leyton.