‘this hair-raising spectacular, with a spring in its step, sings and dances its way through its hairy, fairy tale to a live musical accompaniment’
It’s been far too long since I was last here – oh yes it has – but Director Karen Woods and Producer Ruth Gibb more than made up for it as this hair-raising spectacular, with a spring in its step, sings and dances its way through its hairy, fairy tale to a live musical accompaniment led by Maestro Wayne Oakes.
Fairy Dandruff (Lauren Bewley) is set to earn her wings as she helps Prince Ryder (Laura Riley) rescue the imprisoned Rapunzel (Emily-Jane Nugent-Brant) from the wicked Mother Gothel (Lynsey Corner) who had stolen her as a baby from King Bouffant (Gavin Simpson-White). But if you want to take any shortcuts then you need help from a local salon run by Dame Fanny Follicle (David Flanagan) and her dimwit of a son, Pascal (David Stevens). Hopefully with a talented Ensemble (Barbara Marsh; Fiona O’Gorman; Ryan Greenall; Haydn Saunders; Mia Ballans) to hand and a couple of delightful cameos from Claire Jones and Michelle Williams. But can they keep their hair on? Well, they’d better watch out for the Nits (Pip Bradshaw; Suzi Davies; Annie Topping; Jones)!
With Oakes on keyboard supported by Jack Birkett (guitar), Kevin Bates (bass), and Jeremy Sleith (drums), there are some great musical numbers on offer that had the audience tapping and clapping throughout the evening and which even saw yours truly take to his feet.
All the cast performed strongly: there is a rich vein of talent in this company, and it was great to see this further augmented by some new faces tonight, which is the key to its ever-entertaining productions.
Stevens brought all his panto experience and infectious humour to the fore with a strong performance, great audience interaction, and some of the worst jokes you’ll ever hear!
Flanagan excelled as the Dame – no easy task – and was well matched by Simpson-White’s King, and I look forward to seeing more of their chaotic humour and routines in the future.
Bewley soared without any wings with an entertaining performance and good vocal, whilst Corner’s outstanding performance was the epitome of panto evil, eliciting the boos and hisses from the audience for all the right reasons.
Riley was excellent as the nearly hopeless Prince with a lovely vocal, whilst Nugent-Brant’s beautiful voice really struck home in a fine performance, and they combined wonderfully in their duets.
Woods’ set design was well considered with seamless set changes and adjustments overseen by Stage Manager Andy Pink, whilst the cast and creative team had collectively pulled together an array of delightful costumes. The glue to any musical however lies in its movement and I have to commend Meg Charlton for some wonderful choreography that really brought this production to life.
Rapunzel performs at Rainhill Village Hall for two further nights on 16th and 17th January, both at 7pm., with a 2pm matinee on 17th as well. But hurry, tickets are literally flying out the door. Further details https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/prescot/rainhill-village-hall/rapunzel/e-pbpqde
Review Date: 15th January 2026
Star Rating: FOUR