The Starlight Open Air Cinema on the Rooftop of the Biosfera Shopping Center in Puerto del Carmen is showing the Disney movie “Moana” every Wednesday in July and it’s preceded by the “Moana Show”. I was intrigued about it so I met up with Harriet Jelley, a professional singer and dancer, aka Moana, to find out more about it, at the Lost World Café next door to the cinema, where the show actually takes place.
Tell us a bit more about the Moana Show. How does it work / what can people / kids expect?
The Moana show is very interactive and it’s aimed at both boys and girls aged from 1 to about 9 or 10 more or less. I start by singing live three songs and then we do Hawaian games with coconuts, we do the limbo and play “find Maui’s hook”; children even learn to do Hawaiian dancing. At the end children can also have their photo taken with me as Moana, a lovely memento of the experience which is included in the price of the show. Then I take the children to their seats at the cinema to watch the movie.
The show starts at 7:30pm and it lasts for about an hour. The show on its own costs €5 per person and the show and the film together is €20 per person. It can be booked by emailing info@rooftopbiosfera.com.
How did you come up with it?
I have two children of my own who were born in Lanzarote. I realised that there were very few options for entertainment dedicated to children on the island.
I had always wanted to be a princess as a child and coming up with Princess Dream Parties, which I started in September 2017 allowed me to do something very unique, making children’s dreams come true.
The first party I threw was as Belle from Beauty and the Beast for a girl that was coming out of hospital after been very poorly and the parents wanted to do something special for her homecoming. It was such an emotional and rewarding experience that it inspired me to keep putting different celebration packages together, slowly growing into what Princess Dream Parties has become.
So far we’ve got Moana and Belle. What other characters can people choose from?
Well, there is Elsa from “Frozen” and Ariel from “The Little Mermaid” I’d like to introduce a new princess every three months or so. At the moment I have Princess Poppy from “Trolls” and Rapunzel from “Tangled” in the pipeline.
So it’s all about princesses then?
Oh no, I do have superheroes packages that tend to appeal more to boys with characters such as Wonder Woman and a colleague does Batman. I have also have other more boy orientated themes coming up, so watch this space!
And it’s birthday packages that that you do mainly.
Well, obviously birthdays are popular but I also do Unicorn Pamper Parties and Wedding Kids Entertainment Packages to keep the small ones amused at weddings. I am currently having fun developing the Sleepover packages.
Wow, all that sounds fantastic! Tell us a bit more about yourself, Harriet. Where are you from originally?
The Midlands, Birmingham.
And how long have you lived in Lanzarote?
6 and a half years. Time flies when you are having fun!
What brought you here in the first place?
I had been coming on holiday here since I was about 10 or 11 and eventually my mum and dad moved here. After a 6 weeks break here I didn’t wanted to leave! I had a job engagement back home though so I went back, did the job and then I packed to come back to live in Lanzarote permanently. Haven’t looked back since.
What do you like about Lanzarote?
Everything! Lanzarote offers a wonderful lifestyle, very chilled compared to the rat race back in the UK. It’s a great place to raise children.
What is your favourite place in Lanzarote?
I love the whole island but I have Papagayo beach has a special place in my heart, that’s where my husband proposed!
What is your favourite thing to in Lanzarote when you are not working?
When I get the chance, which is not very often, I like to go to the beach. As I live in Costa Teguise, the handiest if Playa Jablillo. Sometimes, if I can take a few days off, I like to cross over to Fuerteventura for a little break.
Is there anything else that you do?
Certanily! I also sing at Weddings, I do a tribute show at the Grand Hotel in Arrecife regularly featuring songs by Adele, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga. The next show it’s on the 20th of July at 10pm. Entrance is free, so no excuse not to come and see me. I sing in hotels all over the island too.
Wow, you are certainly a busy woman! How can our readers keep up to date with your shows and services?
Facebook is the handiest, you can find me on Princess Dream Parties (https://www.facebook.com/princessdreamparties/) and Harriet Jelley – Singer/Entertainer (https://www.facebook.com/harrietjelleysinger/).
Well Harriet, it’s been an absolute pleasure. Thank you very much for your time. Is there anything else you would like to tell our readers?
The pleasure has been all mine. Just remember that I am practically fully booked until Christmas with only a few dates available, so if your are thinking of booking a package, do it quickly! And if you want to see the Moana show in August, please do let the Rooftop Cinema know.
