A THEATRE company in Reading is bringing a classic production to life again with its annual pantomime.
Triangle Players are set to return to the stage with their latest show, Sleeping Beauty, based on Charles Perrault’s late-17th-Century fairy tale and adapted by Lewis Gilbert.
It follows heir to the throne Princess Aurora as tragedy strikes after a curse is placed upon her by the sister of the reigning queen.
The production is the first of the company’s 80th year, and marks seven decades of local pantomimes.
It is also writer and director Lewis Gilbert’s tenth year since joining the group as a teen. As a result, this show also pays tribute to the personal journey Lewis has been on with the group.
The production features Millie Steane as Aurora, Sam Newman as Philip, Pat Kelly as Queen Mary, Janet Stacey as Queen Mother, and Thomas Fuller as Chancellor.
It also features Tracy Harrison as Chambermaid, Donna Stacey as Mel, Lewis Gilbert as Lord Dandy, Jane Coldwell as Margret, Christine Mather as Maggie, Sophie Hughes as Blossom, and Violet Bowtell as Bubbles.
Anne Green Jessel, Mark Stacey, and Megan Bishop also star.
Sleeping Beauty will see the return of the character of Lord Dandy, originated in the previous production helmed by Valerie Hodgson in 2015.
Dandy was originally a background courtier, expanded for Gilbert when he portrayed the character in the original production.
The character has been expanded further into a family friendly tribute to comedian, Rik Mayall,and his popular Blackadder character, Lord Flashheart.
Triangle Players continues embracing its inclusivity and is celebrating that four members of the production are in the autistic spectrum.
Writer and director Lewis Gilbert said: “I’ve worked with many people on the autistic spectrum, and found them to be some of the most passionate people you will ever come across.
“I don’t think society as a whole truly understands that given the chance to shine, and the right support, autistic individuals are just as, if not, more hard working than those not on the spectrum.”
Sleeping Beauty is showing in the hall behind Tilehurst Methodist Church over two weekends: Thursday January 30 through Saturday, February 1, and from Friday, February 7 to Saturday, February 8.
Shows begin at 7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays, with Saturday performances showing at 3pm and again at 7pm.
Tickets are available at Vendela Rose on School Road, or via ticketsource.co.uk/triangle-players-tilehurst
