Spectacular, spectacular, spectacular. And that is where I could end this review of Colstars annual "Half Term" pantomime Snow White……………

However in fear of being taken into the woods and having my heart returned back to the Wicked Witch in a box, I will continue. With lips as red as a rose, hair as black as ebony and skin as white as snow Sarah Knight was a delightfully talented and believable Snow White, she acted her way through this convoluted evolving plot beautifully, and with a voice that could have charmed Disney's bluebirds from the trees.

And so to the entrance of the Wicked Queen Rigamort, Julie Griffiths, adorning the stage with a villainous aura that instantly got the audience hissing and booing with glee. Julie's characterisation was excellent, and certainly appealed to the " Bad Boys " in the audience with her stunning costume, husky voice and air of dominatrix. Her interaction with the audience was hysterical, witnessed by the unbelievably loud audience and "real tears" of laughter from the adults and terror from the kids, well done, and thank goodness for the Fairy Of Kindness, Jessica Evans.

Literally bursting onto the stage was everybody's friend Juggles the Jester, the half witted, exuberant and tireless comedy hero who managed to quell the disruption and havoc caused when ever the Wicked Queen graced the stage. In this role Bethan John was relentless and worked the audience really well, what a talented and energetic performer.

And what about this talented "Colstars Youth Academy " who peppered the stage with dwarfs, villagers and courtiers! A delightful blend of youth and experience made this production a scintillating extravaganza. A credit to its committed production and management team; Derek Williams, Bethan John, Laura Williams and Michael Jones, who's musical selection, control and execution was first class, a talented and priceless resource.

As Dame Dolly Daffodil (Derek Williams), and Chambers The Chamberlain (Kelvin Griffiths) continued to wind up and titillate the audience I was left with splitting sides and genuine desire that this production would never end. Chambers' command of the northern accent was first class and demonstrated time and time again a worthy foil to what had to be the best pantomime dame I have witnessed ever! Derek is a truly committed and talented performer who tends to hide this talent behind his modesty. Derek's love of theatre is evident, and his efforts off stage nurturing and developing this young and talented company will ensure Colstars go from strength to strength. As Wardrobe Mistress Janette Williams has to be mentioned for her tireless efforts backstage in keeping this wonderfully colourful and striking wardrobe in check, and how many dame costumes!

Many other commendable performances of which there were too many to name here, provided the Aberdare audience with a true West End experience. The Coliseum stage crew under the guidance of Kelly Williams, (Stage Manger) ensured this lavish production moved slickly along. While the technical team of James Thomas and Paul Williams providing the smoke, magic and mirrors that put this show above the rest. Well done Colstars, bet you can't do it again……..oh yes you can!

An impressive staging at the Coliseum theatre, Aberdare, of the heart-touching Fiddler on the Roof, the musical that tells of harsh realities of a small community struggling to exist in dire times and poverty in Tsarist Russia. With a superb and familiar score we experience their joy and sadness, love and humour in their acceptance of life.
In a commanding performance of many shades and nuances Ralph Thomas, as the gentle milkman and father of five daughters Tevye, is torn between family love and religious traditions in a changing world. Sung with rich tone and colour and played with warmth and sensitivity (and a personal line to God) he is ever fearful of his wife Golda, the true matriarch of the home, played with a fond and patient tolerance by Julie Griffiths.

The main cause of Tevye's angst, his three eldest daughters Tzeitel, Hodel and Chava, were beautifully played and talented performances by Bethan John, Sarah Knight and Emily Stonelake; delightful as sisters and each with distinct personality and character. To complete his 'five blessings', Lowri Morgan and Alex Moore shone with charm and appeal as Shprintz and Bielke. Kelvin Griffiths was suitably cantankerous and belligerent as the rejected suitor, the rich butcher Lazar Wolf. A 'perfect match' for Tzeitel was a fine performance by David Beech, as the timid tailor Motel, with Liam Daly nicely intense as the revolutionary student Perchik, and Lewis James as the gentle Russian Fyedka. Good authority by Tom Cadwallader, as the Constable, a bizzy-body gossip and matchmaker Yente, by Carol Bennett and a fearsome apparition Fruma Sarah, by Jennifer Cole were amongst the many rich and colourful cameo characters that populated the doomed village of Anatevka.

Big production numbers filled the stage with movement and excitement in polished choreography and played by an impressive, good-sounding cast and company. Backed by the excellent Colstars Orchestra and the baton of musical director Michael Jones, this was an interesting and moving debut production for Colstars by Davron Hicks. A good wardrobe by ACE Theatrical Costumes and staging by Scenic and Property Hire, contributed to a satisfying and atmospheric revival - and another success for Colstars.

In September Peter Pan alighted on the stage of the Coliseum theatre, Aberdare, and with the words ‘past the second star on the right and on until morning’ and the joy, exuberance and talent of Colstars Youth took us on a magical adventure to Neverland. With a surprising maturity, Jordan Smart played the blustering father and Jessica Evans, the calm, loving mother as Mr and Mrs Darling. Daughter Wendy, an assured and delightfully sung performance by talented Emily Stonelake, was well supported by Brandon Sherwood, and Megan Jones, as her brothers John and Michael. With the petulance and intensity of the boy who wouldn’t grow up, Lowri-Haf Lewis also had all the charm needed as Peter Pan to whisk Wendy and the boys on an adventure to Neverland, there to meet up with the dastardly neurotic Captain Hook, colourfully played by Emyr Jones. Hook’s inept pirate assistants Smee, Starky and Cecco were good amusing characters played by Sophie Davies, Shauna Dummett and Naomi Price, supported by a great bunch of not-so-fearsome pirates. No match for Peter’s gang of Lost Boys and the tribe of Indians, led by their Chief – impressively played by David Beech, with Lowri Bugg, a lovely Tiger Lily. What a great bunch of characters and cameos to catch the eye and melt the heart. In a fast-moving, well-choreographed production by Derek Williams and Bethan John, the youngsters played with confidence, energy and bags of talent and the organisation and meticulous discipline of this large cast was first class. The bright and cheery score was well handled by a good sounding band under the baton of Michael Jones and the production looked well dressed and colourful with costumes by Ace Theatrical Costumes, and Jan Williams and substantial sets by Scenic Property Hire. Like Peter, I, too was reluctant to leave Neverland and rejoin the grown-ups.