Did we really need another story of good vs evil, boy meets girl and a grand adventure through an enchanted forest? In this case the answer is, yes, yes we did. As a fellow member of the audience concluded, this show was a ‘jolly good medicine’ and I am inclined to agree. This show celebrated a number of theatrical media but dance was very much the beating heart.
The Dancing Princess is a quintessential fairytale. It follows the gallant adventure of the perfectly pompous (yet well meaning) Prince Pete and his trusty (long suffering) sidekick Thornwood as they search for the imprisoned Princess Primrose. Primrose’s absence from her kingdom has left the land without hope, without joy and without dance. In a refreshing deviation from a classic tale, Princess Primrose proves that she is a hero in her own right and ends up in her happily ever after as an equal, not as a damsel.
The production was well structured, quick-paced and while there were certainly some stand out moments, the cast worked cohesively and supportively as an ensemble throughout. The costumes were impressive and reminiscent of a large scale production: the plethora of moustaches were a hit with the audience. The musical choices were appropriate and uplifting. Ellie Waller (Princess Primrose) gave a beautiful and heartfelt rendition of Now I see the light accompanied steadfastly by Charles Bonner (Prince Pete). Bonner’s vocal moment of the production however was his impressive belt during True Loves Kiss.
Humour was ever present, interactions between Thornwood (Eloise Preston) and Prince Pete elicited a particularly jubilant reaction from the audience. Retracing their steps through the medium of dance for lack of better words was – hilarious and expertly choreographed. Gertie Nixon (Bognalot) and Freddie Nixon (Captain Morris) had an outstanding knack for comic timing; it should be noted that Gertie and Freddie were amongst the youngest of the cast’s players but held their own with confidence.
No fairytale would be complete without its villain and The Dancing Princess did not disappoint. Ember Sunnucks was formidable as The Evil Witch with a commanding presence and sensational projection. The production also included performances from Dance Vibez and Wild Woods, these collaborations resulted in an energetic celebration of dance and circus.
Despite the small but intimate venue, the cast used the space well, and adapted to its limitations, my recommendation would be only this: the show needs room to breathe. It deserves a bigger venue and a larger audience, with more space and more theatrical facilities this production could really fly.
Reviewed by Hannah Brewer and Sarah Taplin
IWtheatre 