Kirkcaldy has a Sleeping Beauty

All the elements of a fun-filled family pantomime are here for all to see at Adam Smith Theatre for the Christmas season.

There’s slapstick, local references, great songs, colourful costumes, pyros, defining characters, audience interaction, a dame, a baddie, a handsome prince, a huge dragon, a fairy, a likeable rogue and a beautiful princess in the shape of Kim Shepherd, now established here in a lead role. Kim, who plays Rosie, is likeable, can dance and can vocalise anything thrown at her. From her days in wedding band Cut The Cake she is used to longs sets in multiple styles and this experience is the valuable grounding for her stage career.

Writer Fraser Boyle has weaved an old story for Director Mairi Cowieson to interpret into a fast-moving presentation where each character has their moment to shine. Scott Watson as Daft Duncan of Dysart wins over the audience immediately while his mum Nurse Phillippa Bedpan (Colin Little) is comically credible, needs more lines to be convincing. Supporting cast like the Templehall Casuals cleverly have their own uniform while the young dancers all excel following the inventive choreography from Roy MacQueen that can even make the Time Warp look fresh.

Musical Director Gregor Keachie and his band fill the auditorium with a faultless score and numerous sound effects throughout. Staff here are welcoming and helpful and the spacious Smithy’s Snack Shack (in the Beveridge Suite) is a welcome retreat before the show and at interval time.

A long run in store and quality production along the way.

Sleeping Beauty at Adam Smith Theatre until Dec 30 Tickets: https://www.onfife.com/event/sleeping-beauty-panto-2024-aj04/

Review by John Murray ***** (5 stars)