Sleeping Beauty Pantomime - Millennium Forum, Derry

Pantomimes as an art form have been seen for far too long as a joke; a comedic Christmas laugh

I had the great pleasure of watching the Millennium Forum's 2021 Panto - Sleeping Beauty. After watching this production, the Millennium Forum have most certainly stumped out these old fashioned and out dated opinions. This year, the Millennium Forum has proven why they host an annual award winning pantomime. On many occasions I found myself forgetting I was in Derry and not seated at the London Palladium's Christmas panto. 

From the very moment you arrive to the theatre and take your seats, the world of Panto was created. The set, lights and sound just instantly transported me to a new world, which was perfectly complimented by the outstanding costumes presented by the characters. I want to take a brief moment to acknowledge the Millennium Forum staff on their outstanding work and attempts to make each audience member feel safe; from checking covid passes to having a testing centre in the theatre for audience members, it was one of the first experiences I personally have had where I have felt safe in a public space since the lockdowns. I thank you all for your hard work to help keep our theatres opened. 

Comedy gold was created by William Caufield (Nanny Cranny) and Keith Lynch (Pickles). From interactions with the audience to jokes on politics and COVID-19, this comedic pair had me howling out loud on numerous occasions. The only negative thing about this duo was that they had to exit the stage to allow other characters to enter. 

But yes, this show was based around Princess Beauty (Rachael O'Connor) and her love for Prince Charming (Connor O'Kane). This dynamic duo are very simply Disney perfection. Their onstage chemistry and talent is just Devine for an audience member. It is probably the first time I have gotten goosebumps and been brought to tears at a Pantomime due to their stunning vocals and flawless acting. 

However, contrary to their character, in my opinion the real star of this show was Karen Hawthorne (Evil Carabosse). From her descent at the start to her change at the end, Hawthorne, quite literally, captured this role, perfectly. She had the audience in the palm of her hands throughout the entire show. A special mention to her amazing vocals. The power behind her voice was sensational.

Overall, this years cast and crew should be so proud. Throughout this show I couldn't help but notice, not only how professional these actors were, but how much fun their each were having whilst onstage. This raw and unhidden enjoyment was reciprocated by each audience member in the auditorium. It may have taken 18 months to reopen our theatres, but after seeing a show like this, the wait was worthwhile. 

If you have not gotten a chance to see the show, I would highly recommend getting tickets booked. The show will fun until 02-01-22 and tickets for next years panto, Cinderella, have also gone on sale so jump out of bed and into your carriages and go and see the Millennium panto 

JC

Spring Awakening - Queen’s Musical Theatre Society - Belvoir Studios

A show highlighting topics such as abuse, suicide and sexual encounters, it takes a very mature cast and brave production team to put on a production of Steven Sater’s ‘Spring Awakening’. The Queen’s Musical Theatre Society decided to take this risk and produce a production of the show as their 2022 main musical under the direction of Conor Anderson

This cast, to say it lightly, blew me away. The use of blindfolds at the beginning to symbolise the characters naivety was among many uses of symbolism used by this fabulous cast to show extremely difficult and sensitive topics and making them consumable for their very mixed age audience, along with the theatre in the thrust style, creating intimacy between actors and audience much like the intimacy featured in the show. 

Lead by Neve Wilkinson (Wendla) and Adam Madine (Melchoir), these two actors took their moment and really audience feel their struggles. Madine really captured the maturity of Melchoir and his wealth of knowledge perfectly. Madine’s ability to very quickly change between emotions took the audience on a very emotional rollercoaster. Wilkinson perfectly embodied the innocence and naivety of Wendla making the audience fall in love with her and breaking their hearts at the end. 

The vocals that this cast offered were nothing short of phenomenal. On a number of occasions, but particularly the finale ‘Purple Summer’ was I made to forget that this production was featuring amateur, university student; a number of which do not study degrees in the creative arts. In particular, the vocal ability of Aine McConvey (Ilse) and Serena Smart (Martha) cannot go without recognition. The belts and tones and shifts in these ladies voices were extraordinary; the hairs on my arms arose many times these two ladies sang.

I want to take this opportunity to comment on the professionality of the whole cast, but in particular Kasia Kordula (Adult Female) and Conor Anderson (Adult Male) who joined the cast only hours before curtain. With the circumstances that we are facing, having and trusting individuals who can do this has always been and will continue to be a saving grace. Both actors were able to fully commit to their roles and, on occasions were scripts were needed, worked them into their character so the audience did not notice. You are both a credit to your cast and selves for demonstrating such professionalism and commitment.

Overall, this production was simply outstanding 

JC

9 to 5 - CRAIC Theatre 

When an egotistical misogynistic boss pushes three women in his office too far, how will they redeem their self worth and fight for what is right?

That is the question I went into the CRAIC Theatre in Coalisland with last night. It was well and truly answered.

The connection of all three leads, Clare McCourt (Violet), Lauren McCrory (Judy) and Lisa Ryan (Doralee), captured the comedy perfectly. Their onstage chemistry showed how three very different characters could be such good friends.

The vocals totally blew me away, to say the least. I have had the privilege of hearing Lauren perform a number of times as well as getting the honour to share the stage with such a powerhouse. Her version of Judy was to her usual, very high standard and her vocals have never let her down. The emotion and power she has just takes the audience to a completely new place. Her riffs and belts are stunning and I noted one audience member commenting behind me saying ‘Now that is how you do Musical Theatre’. I concur. 

Clare has performed a number of times locally in strong leading female roles and the character of Violet suited her perfectly. Previously I have seen her in plays and have never been disappointed, but musical theatre is were she belongs. Her vocals and ability to change emotion in a very short space of time had me acknowledging that this rural theatre in Coalisland are producing talent more akin to leading theatres in the West End or Broadway . Her comedic timing had the entire audience rolling in laughter from start to finish.

The real shock for me was Lisa. Unlike the majority of the cast, it was the first time I had the pleasure of seeing her perform onstage, and I was most certainly not disappointed. Her acting ability, vocals and accent work is nothing short of extraordinary. This is a lady who knows how to command the stage and remind audiences that she is not a talent to be unseen.

Declan McGrath (Franklin Hart Jr.) has always been someone who can make the audience laugh and cry with his range of abilities both on stage and behind a mic. His characterisation of Franklin Hart Jr. was perfect. The audience were in the palm of his hand and I, with the entire audience, was howling with laughter.

The entire production was something spectacular. A special mention must be given to those who created the exceptional set design, its fluid movement and it’s complementary lighting. The production is a real credit to Sean ONeill (Director), Roisin Corr (Musical Director) and the entire production team at CRAIC.

On a final note, one of the most inspirational things about this cast and crew was their modesty and humbleness. When praise was handed out to this fantastic cast there were a lot of ‘are you sure’ and ‘that means so much’. They are the pinnacle of local talent demonstrating that local rural theatre can rival the most professional productions 

JC