To find out more about Cottenham Theatre Workshop click here.   Home About C.T.W. Photos Past Shows Links   Hands up all those who saw "Sleeping Beauty" this Christmas! And hands up all those who missed a scintillating, delightful, colourful show! Every Cottenham resident must know at least one or two people who formed the company of over a hundred performers and helpers, who put on this wonderful pantomime. It is usual in these reviews to pick out the individual stars who hit the headlines. And there were plenty of them, with really good acting and some excellent solo singing. But this time I prefer to mention the rest of the company, who make such a positive and vital contribution. Firstly the chorus of villagers and gypsies. This is easily the best chorus I have heard and seen in Cottenham productions. They sang confidently and well, moved easily and they looked great. They smiled as they sang, and this infectious enthusiasm communicated itself to the audience. The Young Set was a real delight. With their crown T-shirts, happy smiles and energetic singing they were each and every one a winner. There must have been some very proud parents. [Perhaps another time the audience could be provided with tissues!] Two new groups, the Ceilidh band and the Line Dancers were a splendid innovation, and opened our eyes to two more really worthwhile activities going on in our midst. Please can we have them again. The band, hidden from view most of the time, provided a professional backing for the singers, and did much to give the singers the confidence which is so essential. And as usual there were some lovely saxophone solos. Special mention must also be made of Liz Milway’s splendid costumes, which were quite exceptional and must have worked wonders for the self-esteem of the cast The set, too, built and painted by several members of the company, was a perfect background to the script and the music. The company is lucky to have three loyal, talented and hardworking members who have done more than anyone to raise the performances to their present high level. Clive Borrow has now written countless pantomimes. They are always new, fresh and witty. They contain the usual share of corny jokes, the occasional references to local characters [but never with malice], and a humour which never strays into the offensive, so you could safely take your Granny or your Granddaughter. And of course he is a splendid dame. Sue Macdonald has acted everything from a fairy to Lady Bracknell, and her direction improves with every production. Her imaginative and unobtrusive authority is stamped on every aspect of this pantomime. Dave Bainbridge is normally heard but not seen. He is a superb musician and year after year he has directed the singing of soloists and chorus. Much credit must go to him for the success of this show and for the high standard of the singing. Congratulations, too, this time to Siobhan Lihoureau for her success with the Junior Chorus. A few exceptional scenes stay in my memory: the opening scene, full of colour and cheerful singing and dancing; the first appearance of the Princess Aurora on the swing, like a Victorian painting; and the hilarious ballet dance performed by the talented ballerinas and the not very talented Dotty Domestos! As we left the hall after the performance I heard many people saying "the best ever!" And I agree. Thanks to one and all for a production to savour and to remember. Jasper Kay Originally published in the Cottenham Newsletter. Reproduced in full with permission. Web site created and maintained by Paul Redman. Last updated: 8 April 2007