A big hats off to the thespians, singers, musicians and the backstage crew of the Bermuda Music and Dramatic Society's Christmas pantomime "Sleeping Beauty".

The pantomime was as promised by writer/director Carol Birch ? a "Sleeping Beauty panto with a twist".

The set, which was designed by Giles Campbell, was not only colourful and practical, it also set the scene for ancient frolics, of love and evil. And then flipped itself into the Twizzle Inn where Briar Rose (Alorha) Christa Schweizer was reared by her three Fairy God Mothers.

The three, who were based around the characters of the BBC's comedy "Absolutely Fabulous", were Fairy Nuff, played by Shawn Angiers, Fairy Belfry, suitably performed by Kelvin Hastings-Smith and Babble, which was aptly played by the shuffling stepper Nicole Burgess.

The three reluctantly took on the job of raising Sleeping Beauty after Evilena, (Shelley McKinnon-Burgess), had cast her wicked spell on the little Princess Alorha (Christa Schweizer). The protecting trio almost kept her safe throughout the panto, but fell slightly short towards the end when Fairy Belfry was distracted by computer assistant, Alex Cabrall.

Evilena (Shelley McKinnon-Burgess) and her ever-so-slightly-but-not-so-nasty sidekick Dullum, Paul Harney, was based on a combination of Gollum and house elf Dobby characters from Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter respectively.

The part was perfectly performed by the long and lanky Mr. Harney as he skulked about the stage in his almost evilness.

Barbara Jones, in usual fashion, came through with costumes that captured each character's nature.

The audience's participation was second to none and the children and adults alike were involved with the usual "Oh no you're nots!"

The music and lyrics, all original scores, were written by musical director James Burn.

Briar Rose (Alorha) Christa Schweizer, Prince Felix, Jordan Michael Stobell, and Fairy Saffron, played by Madison Mello, and the Fairy God Mother song 'Passed My Sell By Date' were instantly caught by the audience.

The main song that would bring a final end to the wicked witch Evilena had the audience partaking in her demise.

Joanna Powell's CedarBridge Academy dance chorus did innovative dream dance sequences throughout the programme.

The lighting must not go unmentioned, as with every scene the technicians pushed to the max.

The other main characters included: the King and Queen of Uranium, Alan Gilbertson and Jennifer Burrell; Queen of Messy Plutonium, Jeane Butterfield; Daniel, John Pitt; Major Domo, Keith DeSilva; Jackie, Nadia Hamza; assistant, Alex Cabrall; page, Blake Sonnenfeld; and the gorilla, Valerie Butterfield-Wallbank.

Carol Birch's adaptation of Sleeping Beauty is filled with humour for the adult and child, and political quips for almost anyone.

Sleeping Beauty runs until December 18 at the City Hall Theatre.