RAPUNZEL the magic of Pantomime in February “Oh no it isn’t” Well I can assure you “Oh yes it is” and packed with all the charm of the season too.

Newly qualified primary school teacher Sophie Nickerson directs this year’s Pantomime for the Phoenix Players. A real bonus for the school she will be joining when it comes to their Christmas production.

Gothel ( Tyrone Baptiste) takes baby Rapunzel after her father the King ( Kevin Cordell) stole herbs from “her” garden to enter into the village vegetable competition! Which he and the Queen (Rose Stubbington) were judging the year of Rapunzel’s birth.

Rapunzel (Alex Eels) is fed up being stuck in the tower and longs to escape into the world and have adventures. As the storyline goes she is rescued from the tower by the handsome Prince, Rudin (Sonia Hill). Playing a bit of the “Jack the lad” character Rudi and Rapunzel can often be found bickering which adds comedy to the panto.

I especially liked the role played by Josh Woolmer, Max the son of the Pantomime Dame Hilda (Steve Penfold). He took the role of a boy scout and each time Max helped with rescuing Rapunzel he earned another oversized scout badge, which had a “mind all of their own” when it came to staying attached to him with the velcro.

The cast relaxed more in the second half and appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. On a couple of occasions that the soundtrack came in late with a prompt the cast continued regardless and made it part of their scripted lines.

The Pantomime by the Phoenix Players is supported by locals, family and friends as there are personal interactions between the cast and some members of the audience which makes the performance “funnier”.

The Players have a great rapport and not everything will probably go to plan on the stage. You will get a lovely warm welcome and be entertained. Don’t just take my word for it try for yourself.

For more information on the upcoming productions by The Phoenix Players please check out the link below.

Three Stars.

https://www.facebook.com/phoenixstageportsmouth/

https://www.yoys.co.uk/phone-44-8454676462-performing-arts-group-Southsea-GB1969276.html