Blue Light Theatre Company swapped their usual panto pandemonium for a sprinkling of fairytale wonder – in their latest production Where the Magic Begins, taking place for one week only at Acomb Working Men’s Club.
Where the Magic Begins is at Acomb Working Men’s Club from Wednesday 31 January to Saturday 1 February.
Despite this not being a pantomime, it’s still a welcome dose of family fun to start off the new year – whether you enjoy beautifully harmonised musical performances or well crafted characterisation, there is truly something for everyone.
Journeying back in time, we meet our enthusiastic Town Crier/Narrator for the evening, who introduces us to each complex character, whilst foreshadowing the adventures ahead.
Glen Gears sets the scene and energy levels brilliantly within this role, allowing us to be captivated through each and every twist of fate.
Perri Ann Barley is the mastermind behind this cleverly constructed script, offering the audience jigsaw pieces carefully placed together to create the original story of Cinderella, which binds beautifully with each piece.
The cast brought professionalism to the stage, and with clear direction from Craig Barley, their confidence grew throughout the production – and joined onstage by their children Kristian and Kalayna it’s clear to see that talent runs firmly in the family.
Richard Rogers as our babbling King Phillippe may not be the protagonist but his delivery was spectacular, I am sure we can all associate his portrayal with our own grumpy grandad secretly hiding a side of sweet sentimentality. And with his headstrong Queen Eleanor (Linden Horwood) by his side, they made a perfectly imperfect married couple.
Whilst that relationship may be sour, there was plenty of sweetness on offer as hopeless romantics flooded the storylines, with their own happily ever after abloom. Kristian Barley and Devon Wells were our lovestruck Francoise and Helene, who’s duet of ‘Wishing For the Normal’ allowed us to see their simplistic desires.
And how lucky are we to have been offered not one but three principal ladies; Sylvie (Aileen Hall), Helene (Devon Wells) and Amelie (Perri Ann Barley), combined their talents to bring us some beautiful vocal performances. ‘I Wish I May’ was a bewitching end to the first act in more ways than one, and their lead in the finale ‘Unruly Heart’ exuded warmth – just what the audience needed before heading back out into the chilly January night.
Lisa Johnstone’s set design allowed beautiful greenery to frame the stage and the technical stakes were certainly raised this year, expertly managed by Dave Holiday. Not to mention the high quality of costume design thanks to Brenda Riley showing her talent is not limited to the stage, an impressive feat that deserves its own round of applause.
Blue Light Theatre are more than a talented theatre group, they are a strong community who have come together to not only deliver another brilliant theatrical offering but to continue to raise money for the wonderful charities Motor Neurone Disease Association and York Against Cancer.
This production is the perfect prelude, grab your tickets now for a spellbinding tale.
Where the Magic Begins is at Acomb Working Men’s Club until Saturday 1 February. Tickets start from £8 and are available via the Blue Light Theatre website.