Disenchanted (Third From The Right Productions)
Back in September of 2017 one of my earliest reviews covered this production as part of a short run in Rowley Regis, I commented at the time that it deserved a wider viewing public and more performances. Well it's back on what is billed as 'The Sassitude Tour' and having already completed two performances at the Crestwood Theatre in Stourbridge, it's now taking up residence for a further two nights at the Blue Orange Theatre in Birmingham, an intimate venue that brings an even 'sassier' side out of the cast.
Disenchanted by Dennis T. Giacino isn't your average story about princesses, these ladies aren't looking for a Prince Charming or a 'Happy Ever After' they're breaking out of classic 'princess mode' and telling it, loud and large, to the audience how that's not the reality at all. So if you're still lost in the way these stories are portrayed by the likes of Walt Disney, be prepared for something different but, equally (if not more) entertaining and enlightening.
Acting as the storytellers for the night are three of the most recognised characters, Natalie Baggott's crystal shattering and likely male ego shattering vocals as Snow White, Jo Foley's slightly controlling and yet strangely likeable Cinderella and Gaynor Whitehouse's somewhat distracted however self-proclaimed 'perfect' Sleeping Beauty. Woe betide any of the audience not keeping-up with proceedings as one of these ladies, in their own subtle way, will make sure you are reminded of the importance of their tale.
Taking on the challenge of two 'princess' roles is Kerry Davies as a somewhat deranged (wouldn't you be if all the items in your house started to move and talk to you) Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast' and the exquisitely named (and equally exquisitely portrayed) Princess Badroulbadour (Princess Jasmine from Aladdin to the uninitiated).
Kaz Luckins also has a dual role, a striking and powerful performance as Rapunzel during which it’s not possible to forget that these princesses haven’t even been duly compensated for their part in success, not even with ‘one red cent’, her secondary role is a piece of Avenue Q-esque puppetry as the Princess who Kissed a Frog.
Completing what can only be described as a deeply rich musical theatre line-up are Sarah Coussens as a comically angry Little Mermaid, regretting her loss of freedom, Gillian Homer as a much misrepresented Pocahontas and Amy Pearson as Mulan, depicted by the movie moguls with little of the usual ‘princess factor’ feminine fragility.
Jez Luckins, Director, Chris Corcoran, Musical Director and the team behind the scenes at Third From The Right Productions can be duly proud of a production that has matured and evolved since its inception and brings a little known yet splendidly captivating piece of theatre to an extended audience. In the words of one of the musical numbers, there is some seriously Big T ......... alent in this show and we can only hope that at least some of these actresses will reappear in their next production ‘Soho Cinders’ later this year.
Publicity for Disenchanted has suggested that these will be the last performances and in my opinion it would be a crying shame were that to be the case as this production simply screams Edinburgh Fringe and any one of a number of venues at that renowned festival. You do however have one final chance to see it during the current run on Saturday 1st September 2018 and if you’re lucky you may just get a ticket for an event you’ll remember for a long time to come.
Book Here
Disenchanted by Dennis T. Giacino isn't your average story about princesses, these ladies aren't looking for a Prince Charming or a 'Happy Ever After' they're breaking out of classic 'princess mode' and telling it, loud and large, to the audience how that's not the reality at all. So if you're still lost in the way these stories are portrayed by the likes of Walt Disney, be prepared for something different but, equally (if not more) entertaining and enlightening.
Acting as the storytellers for the night are three of the most recognised characters, Natalie Baggott's crystal shattering and likely male ego shattering vocals as Snow White, Jo Foley's slightly controlling and yet strangely likeable Cinderella and Gaynor Whitehouse's somewhat distracted however self-proclaimed 'perfect' Sleeping Beauty. Woe betide any of the audience not keeping-up with proceedings as one of these ladies, in their own subtle way, will make sure you are reminded of the importance of their tale.
Taking on the challenge of two 'princess' roles is Kerry Davies as a somewhat deranged (wouldn't you be if all the items in your house started to move and talk to you) Belle from 'Beauty and the Beast' and the exquisitely named (and equally exquisitely portrayed) Princess Badroulbadour (Princess Jasmine from Aladdin to the uninitiated).
Kaz Luckins also has a dual role, a striking and powerful performance as Rapunzel during which it’s not possible to forget that these princesses haven’t even been duly compensated for their part in success, not even with ‘one red cent’, her secondary role is a piece of Avenue Q-esque puppetry as the Princess who Kissed a Frog.
Completing what can only be described as a deeply rich musical theatre line-up are Sarah Coussens as a comically angry Little Mermaid, regretting her loss of freedom, Gillian Homer as a much misrepresented Pocahontas and Amy Pearson as Mulan, depicted by the movie moguls with little of the usual ‘princess factor’ feminine fragility.
Jez Luckins, Director, Chris Corcoran, Musical Director and the team behind the scenes at Third From The Right Productions can be duly proud of a production that has matured and evolved since its inception and brings a little known yet splendidly captivating piece of theatre to an extended audience. In the words of one of the musical numbers, there is some seriously Big T ......... alent in this show and we can only hope that at least some of these actresses will reappear in their next production ‘Soho Cinders’ later this year.
Publicity for Disenchanted has suggested that these will be the last performances and in my opinion it would be a crying shame were that to be the case as this production simply screams Edinburgh Fringe and any one of a number of venues at that renowned festival. You do however have one final chance to see it during the current run on Saturday 1st September 2018 and if you’re lucky you may just get a ticket for an event you’ll remember for a long time to come.
Book Here
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