KIRKBIE Kendal School's modern adaptation of Sleeping Beauty, which was held recently at The Brewery Arts Centre, clearly shows that when you have the inept parenting skills displayed by the King, James Unsworth, and his beautiful wife, Kathryn Frances, then it is no surprise when their daughter, Jenny Parkinson, turns out to be such a brat.

Despite the best efforts of all-singing, all-glittering fairy godmothers Fiona Simpson, Elizabeth Aspinall and Charlotte Barnes Davis, the princess is enticed away by the wicked witch. Freya Nicholl, the embodiment of evil as the witch, knows the secret to every girl's downfall: pierced ears! Once the princess has succumbed, the only way the court can be awoken is by the kiss of a handsome prince. The prince's journey leads him through Nursery Rhyme land, where he encounters all the well-known characters. Special mention must be made here of Hannah Howrie's superb cameo role as Humpty Dumpty.

This production, written and produced by Jayne Crow, contained all the traditional panto elements alongside modern music and dance. The talented dancers performed a variety of pieces from modern tap to classical ballet, beautifully choreographed by Rebecca Harris.

The packed audience was whipped into a frenzy by the "worst bodyguards in the world" Pins & Needles, brilliantly played by Alex Thorpe and Sarah Haddath.

The production, which involved a cast drawn from pupils in years seven to 13, was the culmination of months of hard work put in by both pupils, parents and staff. In particular, it was a triumph for its creator, music and drama teacher Jayne Crow.

February 6, 2003 10:30