Friday 14 December 2012

This Is Kent - Sleeping Beauty Review

Well I'm actually off on my travels again this weekend. In a few hours I'll be leaving for York ahead of their match with my team - Bristol Rovers - Tomorrow.

We're currently second from bottom of the football league and playing absolute sh*t so anything other than a crushing defeat would be a bonus but if the score doesn't go our way at least I'll get chance to look around another lovely City; similar to Canterbury in many ways.

Anyway, we'll move swiftly on because I know you haven't come here to talk about football. You're here to read about the fabulous Faye Brookes.

I've chosen the above picture with this post because of the York connection. I believe that shot was taken somewhere in York back in September on Faye's Birthday.

Before I set sail I thought I'd leave you with another glowing review of the Sleeping Beauty panto in Canterbury. This one was written by Laura Archer of 'This is Kent'.

You'll notice she mentions the possible relationship between Faye and Gareth Gates. Now I've deliberately steered clear of this topic so far, simply because even IF it's true it's nobody's business but theirs and relationships are difficult enough without being judged by all and sundry.

For the record, I actually think they'd be very well suited. They're both young, successful and in the same line of business, so probably share a lot of common interests. Faye is a truly lovely girl and Gareth seemed like a great guy when I met him earlier this month.

They certainly have great chemistry on stage but then they're both fantastic actors so we shouldn't read too much into that.

IF it's true then I really hope it works out because finding Mr or Mrs right is a tricky business and we all deserve to be happy. 

Here's the review:


Sleeping Beauty Review
This is Kent - 7th December 2012

Good Fairy Katrina Bryan from children's TV show Nina and the Neurons has cast her magic spell the Marlowe Theatre to create a spectacular production of Sleeping Beauty.

In the wake of last year's hugely successful pantomime Cinderella, production company Evolution had a lot to live up to.

The cast and crew do not disappoint. Sleeping Beauty has all the ingredients for a festive family treat packed with glitz, glamour, camp comedy and a fire-breathing dragon. 

Paul Hendy's witty script and a harmonious arrangement by musical director Chris Wong create the perfect present for this Christmas.

Former Pop Idol finalist Gareth Gates makes a splendid Prince Charming with his boyish good looks and a persuasive tongue.

His singing is pitch perfect as you would expect from a West End star. 

It is hard to believe it is ten years since Gareth first shot to stardom on Pop Idol, the forerunner of X Factor. But as far as his fans in the audience were concerned, he is still their number one artiste.

Gareth's soulful pop voice is complemented by the polished musical voice of Faye Brookes who stars as Beauty. She has the youthful looks and mellifluous tones of a young princess. 

Although Faye has a theatrical singing voice she still perfectly suits the panto's more commercial songs by the likes of One Direction, Owl City and Carly Rae Jepson. 

The rumour mill has been rife that she and Gareth are now a pair off stage as well as on. They certainly have great chemistry together - and the rumours can't be bad for business.

Anyone who isn't moved by their version of Come What May must have a heart of stone.

Former punk princess Toyah Willcox is enchanting as the evil queen Carabosse.

She has  great stage presence and basks in the boos and hisses as she plots against the beautiful princess who *****s her finger on a poisoned needle and falls asleep for 100 years.

The panto is pulled along by the hilarious double-act of Jangles the Jester, played by the fabulous Kent comic Lloyd Hollett from Margate and the superb Ben Roddy who is making his debut as a dame as Nurse Nellie.

  Lloyd appears in almost every scene and his energy and enthusiasm is infectious. He proves he is an accomplished all-round entertainer with his acting and singing.

Ben is a joy to watch as the outrageous Nurse Nellie. His performance is a far cry away from that of Dandini who he played in last year's panto.

He perfectly balances the characteristics of the traditional pantomime dame with modern humour.
Following in the footsteps of his friend and colleague the late Dave Lee, Ben was always going to have high expectations to meet. But he undoubtedly delivers. 

* Sleeping Beauty is at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury until Sunday, January 20.

Tickets cost £11 to £30.50 from MARLOW THEATRE or call 01227 787787.

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