Hopping on the bus and heading to Shanklin Theatre for the annual pantomime is as much of a festive tradition as Brussels sprouts and Christmas crackers.

It is a firm family favourite and this year’s production of Rapunzel is a magical treat from start to finish.

Stuck in a tall tower guarded by an evil witch, Rapunzel is rescued by the hopeless romantic, Prince Heinz.

Is there a more perfect panto princess than Rowan Lathey as Rapunzel? Oh no there isn’t! Her flawless vocals, beaming smile and impressive locks combined to give a beautiful performance in the titular role. She was a particular hit with my two year-old niece who came with me to watch.
Isle of Wight County Press: Scenes from Rapunzel at Shanklin Theatre
James Derbyshire played Prince Heinz and was ‘pretty fly for an Isle of Wight guy’ (my favourite lyric change of the show). He has a great rapport with the audience, brings bundles of energy to all his upbeat hits and has everyone up on their feet for the singalong routines. This guy knows how to work a crowd. ‘I’m Just Heinz’ was a particular highlight and very popular with the Barbie fans in the audience.

The whole auditorium was delighted when the curtain raised to reveal Dominic Pope as the useless detective, Battersea Holmes. Pope is a crowd favourite and he’s comedy gold throughout, with superb delivery and a master of the silly one liner. It’s a joy to watch. He is also the mastermind behind the very funny script and turned this tricky tale into a perfect family pantomime.

My nephew, Albert, also joined me (this was his third panto so far this year so he is an expert!) and his favourite performer was Ashleigh Mackness as Fairy Harmony. The fairy hosts the show, guiding the audience through the story. Her magic wand allows her to speak but without it she can only sing. A device which plays to Mackness’s strengths and shows off her sensational voice and great comic timing. It’s a stellar performance and Pope’s clever weaving of popular songs into the script to help Fairy Harmony tell the story works very well.

Isle of Wight County Press: A scene from Rapunzel

Joe Alabaster and Fizz Lewis-Marlton had me in stitches with their hilarious German accents as the comedy duo Lidl and Aldi. They were also in the vast majority of the high-energy, slick dance numbers alongside an ensemble of talented young performers that helped bring even more pizazz to the panto.

Jayne Derbyshire was fabulously villainous as Frau Gothel and Amy Bird was brilliantly bonkers as Bo Peep. James Pellow played the traditional Dame well with an array of silly costumes and flirtatious remarks to one (lucky?) member of the audience.

With a cast packed with the crème de la crème of the Island’s musical theatre stars, this panto certainly does not disappoint!

A perfect blend of hilarious dialogue, toe-tapping musical numbers and a beautiful story.

Spotlight proves, once again, why it has earned its spot as the Island’s favourite pantomime. Rapunzel runs until January 1. You won’t want to miss it.