Sleeping Beauty marks end of era at Palladium

Last updated 14:56, Wednesday, 03 December 2008

MAGIC MOMENT: The Prince, Terry Minter, wakens Sleeping Beauty, Danielle Carter. pictures by HOWARD SHIMMIN REF: 0461362

SLEEPING BEAUTY, Millom Palladium, Horn Hill, today, Thursday and Friday from 7.30pm and Saturday from 2.30pm

LAST night marked the end of an era for Millom Operatic Society as they staged the opening performance of their final show at Millom Palladium.

As the clocks touched 7.30pm, the audience gathered in the main hall to take their seats.

The giant speakers played music to the crowd and the lights went down.

All that could be seen was the twinkling Christmas tree in the corner of the room until a fairy appeared on stage and the story began.

For the next hour, old and young enjoyed the group’s performance of the classic fairytale, Sleeping Beauty.

The main actors put on a brave and confident performance backed by an all-singing, all-dancing chorus.

The tale was brought to life by leading lady Danielle Carter, evil Black Fairy Nerissa Nicholas and Nanny Cranny, played by Ellen Poole.

The evening’s heart-throb, Prince Michael of Monrovia, played by Terry Minter, cannot be forgotten either.

But it was Millom’s own Lucy Thompson who stole the show with her performance as Pickles, the loveable page boy.

The tale begins with the birth of Princess Beauty.

When she is still lying in her cradle, the nasty Black Fairy casts a spell on the helpless child – damning her to sudden death on her 18th birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel.

After an outcry by the baby’s parents, the king and queen, played by Diane Vernon and Janet Hall-Gardiner, the good Sapphire Fairy dilutes the spell saying that after turning 18 and hurting her finger, the child will sleep for 100 years.

The years pass without incident until the fateful day arrives. As planned the young girl, now 18, is tricked by the Black Fairy and pricks her hand.

And only the handsome prince can wake her up, with one kiss.

The ending must not be given away.

So people should go and see the show – or return if they have already seen it.

After all, you can never have too much of a good thing.

Admission costs £4.50 for adults and £3 for children.

SAM WALKER