THIS year’s traditional family pantomime, Sleeping Beauty, will be staged at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus from 2 December until 8 January.
Inspired by the Disney musical fantasy film, Frozen, this magical tale unfolds in a chilly Scandinavian country: all Gothic towers, wreathed with snow, crystal and ice.
Designer, Greg King said they have used an ice colour palette for the decor, costumes and sets, using lots of turquoise, aquamarine, silver and whites, and a recurring snowflake motif.
Writer and director Steven Stead said they consciously have different themes and feels for the pantos. “For example, last year for Aladdin, the production was full of spectacle, this year for Sleeping Beauty, our theme is magic and romance. It promises to be an enchanting magical adventure for all ages,” he added.
It stars Haylea Hounsom as Princess Rose, with Lyle Buxton as her handsome prince, Robin. Carol Trench returns to the Durban stage to play her hilarious and anxiety-ridden mother, Queen Dot, and Peter Court plays her lugubrious, hard-of-hearing father, King Frotho the Frosty.
Sleeping Beauty is a KickstArt production, with musical direction by Evan Roberts and lighting by Tina le Roux.
Performances are at 2.30pm from Tuesday to Sunday and at 7pm on Fridays. There are no performances on Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill (formerly Boxing Day) or New Year’s Day.
Tickets range from R150, R170 and R220 for adults and R120, R150 and R170 for children or pensioners. To book, contact Computicket at www.computicket.co.za. For block bookings contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places: editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com or 0832502690.
