The Final Sleeping Beauty Post

One week ago today, at roughly the time I'm publishing this post, I was chatting to one of the most talented and beautiful leading ladies in muscial theatre, Miss Faye Brookes.

I'm delighted to say she has now received the Sleeping Beauty gifts I sent her to thank her for being the perfect Princess Aurora in the superb Canterbury panto.

I can't actually believe it's only a week ago to be honest. A lot seems to have happened since and I'm already anxious to know what comes next for this very special young woman.

However, she's had an exhausting schedule for a number of years now and has definitely earned a break. Hopefully she's enjoying some relaxing Faye time back home and has recovered from the cold she was suffering from last week.

As I mentioned before, musical theatre is a highly competitive business with hundreds of girls going for just a handful of roles. You can only audition for a part when the existing cast member leaves the show and in some cases that can mean years.

So you may have to wait for the chance to go for one of your prefered roles or maybe take a smaller part in a different show and hope there are more opportunities next time you're out of work. You don't just need incredible talent to get a great role, it's also a matter of timing.

At least her break will enable me to save up my pennies for plenty of trips to see her in whatever she does end up doing next.

Having said all that, it really would be a travesty if someone as gifted as Faye was out of work for long when there are so many far less talented girls currently gracing West End stages.

She is a genuine star and the show that eventually secures her services is the luckiest show around.

Obviously I'll continue to keep you updated with any news but you'll be pleased to know that we do at least have a few more of our 'Questions for Faye' series of posts and the remaining Legally Blonde UK Tour audio recordings to entertain you while we wait.

Before we move on to those, I'll leave you with a few of the many glowing reviews of Faye's performances as Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty.


Kent News
Rising star Faye Brookes is a genuine force to be reckoned with as the title character, and her vocal performance was spot on. So good, in fact, it often frequently out-shone Gareth Gates as Prince Charming – a thoroughly likeable hero who made up in warmth for what he perhaps lacked in charisma.

Adventure
She was the perfect Elle Woods and I'm happy to say she's also the perfect Princess Aurora. In fact I don't think Princess Aurora has ever looked or sounded so good ;) You can certainly see why everyone calls her Beauty.

This is Kent
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.

Public Reviews
Faye Brookes is every inch the leading lady in the title role as she returns to Canterbury fresh from her recent success in the Legally Blonde tour.

Kent Online
Equally, the stunning Faye Brookes put a few smiles on the faces of dads with a faultless performance....in what was a near-faultless production.

It had laughs, frights, lots of water and plenty of audience interaction - oh, and did I mention the stunning Faye Brookes?

British Theatre Guide
In the roles of Prince Michael and Princess Aurora, Gareth Gates and Faye Brooks make a stunning Principal Boy and Girl pairing with excellent chemistry and voices, whilst Katrina Bryan’s Fairy Moonbeam is full of magical charm and makes the role memorable for all the right reasons.

Sleeping Beauty Vs Snow White

I'm starting to get a little worried because it seems the Gods don't want me to make it to Canterbury to see Faye in the final Sleeping Beauty show on Sunday.

As previously mentioned I live in Bristol and we've been hit by substantial snow fall over the past 12 hours leaving some roads impassable. Unfortunately this is due to continue for most of today with more flurries expected tomorrow.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Canterbury is expected to have significant snow fall over the weekend as well; particularly on Sunday.

With freezing temperatures continuing into next week conditions aren't likely to improve that much.

I'm still hoping I can make it to the Marlowe Theatre to see Faye and the fabulous Sleeping Beauty panto one last time but I don't relish a 400 mile round trip on treacherous roads.

The above picture wasn't taken today but does give a good indication of the chaos this weather can cause.

BTG Sleeping Beauty Review

Other than the write up of my trip to see the last panto performance on Sunday January 20th, this might be the final Sleeping Beauty review, and it's another A* for this remarkable show.

There are now just 8 days / 192 hours / 11520 minutes before the curtain comes down for the final time, so you want to hurry up and book those tickets because that's hardly any time at all.

You still have 14 opportunities to see the best panto in the UK and of course one of the most gifted young actresses in musical theatre, Miss Faye Brookes; so click the link below and book now.

If you've seen it already, GO AGAIN. You know you want to and I'm sure your kids will love it even more the second time around.

Tickets cost £11 to £30.50 from BOOK ONLINE or call 01227 787787. 

The latest review comes from Simon Sladen of the 'British Theatre Guide'. I honestly can't remember any other panto ever getting as much praise as this years Sleeping Beauty at the Marlowe Theatre Canterbury; Incredible.


Sleeping Beauty Review
British Theatre Guide

As soon as ‘Bring Me Sunshine’ sweeps across the auditorium spreading its melodic happiness during the overture, the audience knows they’re in for a good time. Last year’s Cinderella at the Marlowe Theatre was a resounding success, but somehow Evolution Productions has managed to top it with this year’s festive treat Sleeping Beauty.

An Evolution pantomime is always strong on comedy and this year is no exception. In the double act of Dame and Comic, Ben Roddy and Lloyd Hollett are one of the best in the country, which is even more remarkable given that this is Roddy’s D(am)ebut and their first season together in the stock role partnership.

As Jangles the Jester, Hollett helps tell the story and acts as that all important link between stage and auditorium. His lovable Comic has the audience in stitches with his contorting face and cheeky antics and coupled with Roddy the two exemplify everything pantomime Comics and Dames should strive for.

Whether delivering 57 consecutive pop music gags or larking about in a leaky bathroom, Hollett and Roddy are naturals and deliver their material with expert timing, ringing every last laugh out of every line. Roddy’s Nurse Nellie is a glorious ‘Bloke in a Frock’ and the physicality he brings to the role takes the comedy to another level. Having opened on 30th November 2012, the show is still fresh and vibrant, greatly due to the energetic performances from Hollett and Roddy who keep the rest of the cast on their toes much to the delight of the audience.

Not only does the production boast an excellent Comic and Dame, it has one of the finest Villains in Pantoland in the form of Toyah Willcox’s Carabosse. An experienced pantomime performer, Willcox knows how to work an audience and ensure she gets the boos her character so desires. Her involvement in the schoolroom scene works well as she tries to think up ways to prick the Princess and a mysterious birthday card efficiently lures Beauty to her fate.

Paul Hendy’s script has gone through a number of changes since its first outing in Guildford in 2010, one of which is the addition of a marvelous transformation sequence to conclude Act One. Thorns slowly engulf the castle, whilst Carabosse summons flames and her fire breathing dragon Helga, a devilish sight to behold, who fills the stage and wards off anyone who dares try to awaken the princess from her 100-year slumber.

Sleeping Beauty is always a difficult title to content with due to the century-long sleep and, although Hendy fills the second act with an extended joke about ageing, a crowd-pleasing leaky bathroom sequence and the Ghost Gag, the use of three set pieces does stall the action somewhat. It is also a shame that the quest narrative in terms of rescuing the Prince and finding a magical golden axe is not extended and worked through as, rather fortunately, a silver axe Jangles happens to come across manages to achieve what only the golden axe is allegedly capable of.

In the roles of Prince Michael and Princess Aurora, Gareth Gates and Faye Brooks make a stunning Principal Boy and Girl pairing with excellent chemistry and voices, whilst Katrina Bryan’s Fairy Moonbeam is full of magical charm and makes the role memorable for all the right reasons. Ieuan Rhys’s jolly Welsh King Izznit completes the line-up of what must be one of the strongest casts of the season and with a dazzling ensemble, sparkling sets and toe-tapping music, Sleeping Beauty is an enchanting evening of entertainment.

As Princess Aurora reminds the audience in her opening number, pantomime at the Marlowe — “It’s always a good time!”

Kent Online Sleeping Beauty Review

I hope you all had a magical festive season and have now fully recovered from your New Year celebrations.

@Faye_Brookes Happy New Year everyone I hope 2013 is your lucky year!

Spare a thought for Faye and the remarkable cast of Sleeping Beauty who have already performed 23 shows since Christmas day.

But don't panic if you haven't seen it yet because there are still 2 weeks and 26 more amazing shows before the curtain falls for the final time on January 20th.

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

To get you in the mood here's another glittering review of this wonderful panto from Joe Walker of Kent Online:


Sleeping Beauty Review
Kent Online - 6th December 2012

It's that time of year when hundreds of people gather in one place to watch a man dressed as a woman dressed as a jockey riding an ostrich.

Or at least that was my expert assessment as I sat down at the Marlowe on Tuesday to watch this year’s panto Sleeping Beauty.

Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates, as the charming Prince Michael, and ex-punk princess Toyah Willcox, playing the evil Carabosse, were given star billing.

But it was panto dame Ben Roddy who stole the show - and most of the laughs - in a brilliant take of Nurse Nellie.

His (or her?) somewhat uncomfortable affection for the dashing Prince provided a few belly laughs and he even managed to throw in three (yes, three!) Bonnie Tyler jokes.

He and jovial jester Jangles (Lloyd Hollett) raised the roof with a slapstick bathroom scene, but it was a sketch with 58 consecutive gags about old records that had me chuckling (He did a P Diddy?)

As always, there were some topical local jokes thrown in for good measure, with the Westgate Towers traffic trial and Herne Bay’s miserable Christmas lights getting honourable mentions.

And a gag about sending the cast to a “dark foreboding place where time has stood still for 100 years” was set up for an Isle of Sheppey punchline.

The set and costumes were impressive, but it was a stunning fire-breathing dragon which had everyone on the edge of their seats (it has to be seen to be believed!)

Surprisingly, it’s an hour before Gareth cracks the inevitable joke about his stuttering, but the Bradford boy proved he can still make girls swoon with a rendition of Jason Mraz’s I Won’t Give Up.

Equally, the stunning Faye Brookes put a few smiles on the faces of dads with a faultless performance....in what was a near-faultless production.

It had laughs, frights, lots of water and plenty of audience interaction - oh, and did I mention the stunning Faye Brookes?

At the end of the day, I'm one of those miserable dads who probably wouldn’t step foot in a panto if I didn’t have kids.

But as we left the theatre my five-year-old daughter turned to me and said: “That was really fun!” – and I suppose that’s what really matters, isn’t it?

Public Reviews - Sleeping Beauty Review

I'm back from my trip to York. Rovers crashed to a 4-1 defeat and our manager was sacked just minutes after the final whistle but I had a good time looking around another beautiful English city.

I actually parked in a small car park opposite the theatre where Faye performed in Legally Blonde  back in September.

I also went in search of the super size pink flower in Faye's picture but alas it wasn't to be. Would probably have been a little awkward to carry anyway : -)

Moving on, the next Sleeping Beauty review comes from 'The Public Reviews' website and was written by Victoria Bawtree.

More praise for Faye and this fantastic show. If you live in Kent and you haven't seen it yet, what are you waiting for? You'd be a fool to miss it.


Sleeping Beauty Review
The Public Reviews - 5th December 2012

It’s panto time again and Paul Hendy and Emily Wood’s Evolution Productions is back in residence at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre. This production brings the sunshine back to a cold winter’s evening with plenty of laughs and heaps of audience participation.  It also comes complete with fantastically colourful scenery, imaginative costumes, and a spectacular fire-breathing dragon named Helga, presumably after set and costume designer, Helga Wood.

Ben Roddy as Nurse Nellie and Lloyd Hollet as Jangles the Jester make a fabulous double act and keep the one-liners rolling; plenty for the adults as well as the children.  Their sketch with the vinyl record sleeves is extremely clever, particularly for the grown-ups, but while most album titles were unfamiliar to the younger audience, the delivery made it funny all the same.  Lloyd Hollet’s ad-libbing with a quartet of unpredictable four- and five-year olds was also spot-on.

The ‘big names’ this year are Toyah Willcox as Carabosse the bad fairy, and Gareth Gates as Prince Michael, closely followed by children’s favourite Katrina Bryan as Fairy Moonbeam.  Toyah Willcox has an incredible energy and presence, and her vocals are strong in her rock numbers, as expected.  Katrina Bryan is as smiley on stage as she is on CBeebies and she could easily have sung more as a soloist.  Gareth Gates has the teenage audience members in the palm of his hand, but also enters into the spirit of comedy with style. Faye Brookes is every inch the leading lady in the title role as she returns to Canterbury fresh from her recent success in the Legally Blonde tour.

There were, however, some problems with the overall balance of sound in this performance, and it was not always easy to hear the soloists clearly, particularly in the big production numbers.  In their first duet, Gates and Brookes were unfortunately fairly inaudible. Hopefully this is a relatively easy issue to sort, as otherwise there is nothing else marring a fantastically enjoyable evening of family entertainment.

For the Canterbury stalwart, the famous Ghostbusters scene starring the bench is still there, and still just as funny, as is a large dose of panto slapstick, this time in the form of one enormous water bath. Congratulations must go to Roddy and Hollet for literally throwing themselves in with full gusto.  Just one word of warning – if you’re in the stalls, do make sure you keep your popcorn covered at the beginning of Act II…

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.

Win Tickets To See Sleeping Beauty

I'll be featuring more glittering reviews of Sleeping Beauty very soon but I noticed Visit Canterbury are offering fans the chance to win two tickets to the show.

All you've got to do is fill in a simple form and you could be at the Marlowe Theatre watching a fabulous panto and the stupendous Faye Brookes.

All entries have to be in by 4th January 2013.

Just click on the link below, fill in the form and you're done. Good luck : -)

WIN TICKETS TO SLEEPING BEAUTY

Kent News Sleeping Beauty Review

My Sleeping Beauty write up is still a work in progress but I have come across this excellent review on the Kent News website.

It was written by Chris Britcher and I'm not at all surprised to hear he thoroughly enjoyed this years panto. I honestly can't believe anyone would have anything but good things to say about this show.

You'll notice that just like many Legally Blonde reviews Faye Brookes is singled out for special praise. Princess Aurora is a completely different role to Elle Woods but Faye's transition from Malibu sweetheart to Disney Princess is seamless.

Here's the review:

Sleeping Beauty Review
Kent News - 5th December 2012

Writing a pantomime can be no easy task. There before you sits an audience as diverse as Alec Guinness’ CV and all with the expectation that their hard-earned money spent on the tickets will deliver laughs and pratfalls a-plenty.

With that in mind, there’s also the added complication of weaving in the particular talents of your eclectic cast – drawn from a wide variety of showbusiness disciplines – and still make sure you don’t lose sight of driving the storyline along.

Oh, and to remain fresh year-after-year.

All of which gives me a new respect for the husband-and-wife team of Paul Hendy and Emily Wood – the creative brains behind the regular knees-up at the Marlowe Theatre; the glass-fronted jewel in the cultural crown of arts-rich Canterbury.

Because Sleeping Beauty manages to knit a coat capable of warming the cockles of the heart of young and old alike and the disparate senses of humour of the ticket-paying masses.

With the exception of one scene – an over long skit about losing memory and loss of hearing when you get old – the script is tighter than Ebenezer Scrooge’s wallet and pelts along at a merry pace.

Toyah Willcox is an excellent Carabosse, endlessly eliciting boos and jeers as her character looks to kill the young princess.

Rising star Faye Brookes is a genuine force to be reckoned with as the title character, and her vocal performance was spot on. So good, in fact, it often frequently out-shone Gareth Gates as Prince Charming – a thoroughly likeable hero who made up in warmth for what he perhaps lacked in charisma.

Ben Roddy once again steps into the considerable shoes of the late, great Dave Lee as the pantomime dame, and proves himself more than capable of emulating his predecessor.

There are several well managed set-pieces – a Laurel & Hardy-esque bathroom scene, a clever and super fast-paced section based around the names of singers and bands, and the arrival of the dragon is one not to miss, nor to spoil here.

In short, Sleeping Beauty delivers across the board. It’s packed with songs, dance, humour and warmth, all wrapped up in a production and script which has clearly been well crafted by a team who know how to deliver.

It truly is family fun of the highest standard and, thank goodness, delivers value for money. If the economic gloom is getting you down – this is the perfect pick-me-up.

Sleeping Beauty runs at the Marlowe Theatre until January 20.

Sleeping Beauty Rehearsal Pics

I've arrived back from a lovely break in Kent but it might be a few days before I have time to do a full write up of my time in Canterbury and the incredible Panto at the Marlowe theatre.

I was honestly astounded by how much I loved it and of course Faye made an absolutely perfect Beauty : -)

As I said, I'll do  a proper write up shortly but I thought I'd add these rehearsal pictures and the panto TV advert I found on You Tube to keep you entertained while you wait.

Sleeping Beauty Starts Today

As you may have noticed the countdown clock has reached zero and that signals the opening night for Faye and the wonderful cast of the Sleeping Beauty panto in Canterbury.

I'm actually away from today until next Wednesday 5th December and if all goes to plan I'm hoping to see this fantastic festive show before I return; probably on Sunday or Monday, not 100% sure at the moment.

Pink is still very much Faye's signature colour : -)

Of course I'm also hoping to see Faye because I've bought her a small Christmas gift to say thank you for all the joy she gives to others with her sparkling displays on stage.

I haven't been to a panto for more years than I care to remember but I'm really looking forward to seeing Sleeping Beauty. Canterbury is a lovely city, they have a great new theatre which I've never been too and this panto features a truly magnificent cast which include the unparralleled talent of our very own Faye Brookes.

Anyway, I thought before I go I'd leave you with these lovely pictures and also repost the videos I featured earlier in the month.

Don't forget Sleeping Beauty is on at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury From Friday 30th November until their final show on Sunday 20th January and you can book tickets by clicking on the link below.

BOOK SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMINE TICKETS HERE

Sleeping Beauty Video Teaser

As you can see, Faye has gone from a tea drinking cutie to a black and white beauty in her latest Twitter picture; always beautiful :)

Anyway, as we're closing in on the opening night for Sleeping Beauty in Canterbury I thought it was time to post the shows preview video.

Unfortunately it only features Faye very briefly because they want to keep you guessing as to just who the Disney Princess really is and what she looks like.

Of course, we already know it's the beautiful and talented Faye Brookes but if you want to see her in action you're going to have to get your tickets for the show.

There will be no better Panto this Christmas than Sleeping Beauty in Canterbury.

BOOK SLEEPING BEAUTY PANTOMINE TICKETS HERE

Sleeping Beauty 1 Week Countdown

If you've been keeping an eye on the countdown clock in the sidebar you'll have noticed it's just one week until Sleeping Beauty opening night in Canterbury.

I found this video interview with Gareth Gates - Prince Charming - talking about panto season and thought I should feature it on the blog; especially as Faye makes a brief appearance about a minute in : -)

Elle Woods to Sleeping Beauty

At the end of this year Faye will be starring opposite Gareth Gates and Toyah Willcox in the pantomime the Sleeping Beauty at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. The show will run from 30th November to 20th January 2013.

As we know Faye is currently starring as Elle Woods in the UK tour of Legally Blonde but will hang up her blonde wig and pink dress to play the role of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.

For more details and to book tickets visit www.marlowetheatre.com or call the Box Office on 01227 787787.