THIS is the second pantomime for Unison at West Moors and what the company lacked in expertise they certainly made up for in enthusiasm. It was a shame that there were not more children in the audience as I think they would have helped the pace along.

Most of the cast took on multiple roles. Fairy Crystal (Margarete Tucknott) was entirely believable both as the fairy and the nursemaid. Jessie, the Jester (Lee Neal) was full of enthusiasm and his cartwheels were very good, although I was a bit worried when he disappeared off stage left! I thought Jessie and Alfreda (Ian Clark) had some good moments, especially the cake-baking scene.

The performance accompanist was excellent and his music certainly enhanced all the songs. I particularly liked Pugh (Brian Tucknott) who has a very good voice. I also enjoyed the duet between Fairy Jade (Jennie Davies) and Rollo (Scott Price). Scott Price also played a small part of a soldier which was done with a Brummy accent and was very entertaining.

However, the outstanding part of the evening was Madeleine Horne as Loathia the Wicked Fairy. Her portrayal and presence on stage was excellent, as was her blood-curdling laugh.