May 2002 - Region 6 - Colin Magenty
DICK WHITTINGTON
St. Ambrose Players
Producer: Steven Barnes
Musical Director: Maria Green
This was a new version to me and was quite enjoyable although the tempo was a little slow in places. The set was OK, and the children in the chorus were a treat and stole the show. My only criticism of note would be the cat, she was fine but she lost credibility when she stood up! - on haunches, on all fours, yes. But not on two legs except when advertising a certain alcoholic beverage or if you are doing Puss in Boots.
The two adversaries of good and evil in the form of John Sangster as King Rat and Joyce Nicholls as Fairy Bow Bell both coped well with their lines which were all in rhyme, and both of King Rat's sidekicks made an impression - young Lee Bradbury and Martina Keith whose diction was outstanding.
Lee Thompson carried all before him/her as Sarah the Cook and Becki Miller as Idle Jack had a good rapport with the children in the audience.
Dick Whittington, played by the attractive Kim Naylor, gave a convincing performance but both Kim and Laura Worden who played opposite her as Alice did not have strong singing voices, no doubt that will come in time. But Kim did have good stage presence.
They were well supported by George Birkin as the Alderman, David White as Captain Cuttle and Laura Stone as Tommy the Cat.
All in all a very enjoyable evening, my thanks to everyone concerned.
ORPHEUS IN THE UNDERWORLD
Bentley Operatic Society
Producer: Jim Craig
Musical Director: Michael Hoyland
This was the first time I have seen this Offenbach classic and although it has the can-can music in it, I think I prefer his La Belle Hélène. The production had a good orchestra and some nice performances in it. The set was adequate as were the costumes.
Orpheus's mother Calliope, who prepares the audience for what is to come, was well played by Jo Pollard. The very attractive and elegant Philippa Hipwell did justice to the part of Eurydice while the part of Jupiter was in the capable hands of Steve Riordan - helped by his height he towered over his subjects.
Diana was played by Irene Baker and Venus by Detta O'Keeffe who defiantly looked the part, as did Cupid played by Heather Owens; what a sweet voice this young lady has. Mars was played by Adrian Simmons who looked like he had just come straight from Astrix but equipped himself well. Juno, a woman you would not wish to argue with, was played by Hillary Galley.
Then we had two extremely good performances: Mark Duffy as Pluto the villain of the piece both in looks, movement and voice - the devil had the best tunes - and his sidekick Styx played by the Director, Jim Craig. Both were a joy to watch and performed on a slightly higher plane.
All seemed to enjoy this change away from G&S, no more so than Graham Podmore who as Bacchus gets the girl in the end, Well done all and my thanks to you for an enjoyable evening.
ARABIAN KNIGHTS - THE PANTO
Chorley Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society
Directors: Brian Clarke and Barbara Wolfe
Choreography: Lorraine Sullivan & Lesley Nicholson
A new panto to me but one which suited the society. The dancers were extremely well drilled and this applied to the young ones as well as the older girls. Costumes were colourful and the staging was adequate.
The Storyteller, Ross Demming, did a good job to put us in the mood. Then we meet Barry Callander as Dame Dollop, an imposing sight Barry makes a good dame just as the lovely Emma Shawcross makes a good principal girl although she looks just like a principal boy, sort of dual persona. Nice performances from baddies Saladin (Oliver Franklin) and Onion Bhaji (Alan Mayer).
Good cameo performances also from Steve Callander as Ibin Dun and hero Hasan/Richard the Lionheart played by Lawrence Cohen, but one character stole the show - Dave Maughan who played Al Kazeltzah the genie, wonderful timing.
It's good to see the young ones coming through and indicates that there is a good future for the society. My congratulations to all concerned.
MORT
Chorley AODS Youth Theatre
Director: Brainne Edge
This is the first youth show I have seen them do except for Our Day Out which was a joint show with the adult section. It was very well done, and this was no different.
One can see the likely ones who no doubt will soon be pushing for parts in the adult section in the years to come. This was a team performance but there were individual performances which deserve a mention, no more so than that of Oliver Franklin who gets better each time I see him. He has already appeared in panto for the adult section and it showed in his performance of the title character of Mort.
Death was Paul Thompson and although his stature helped, being tall and slim, he gave a super interpretation. Tom Kirk was effective as Cutwell as was Charlotte Knowles as Ysabell the adopted daughter of Death.
Rachael Hilton was a very attractive Keli the Princess that Mort saves, a nice controlled performance but the character of Albert was something else. Steven Martin did not need help from sound to give him a voice to match his old age.
A well rounded portrayal and very funny, good timing and obvious to all he was enjoying himself as were the whole cast.
A special word for sound who gave Death his personality vocally, they worked hard all night and deserve recognition for a job well done.
With many scenes it could have lost its way, but it had pace and link music giving all an enjoyable night. Thank you!
THE GONDOLIERS
Crosby Gilbert and Sullivan Amateur Operatic Society
Producer: Beti Lloyd-Jones
Musical Director: Brian Smith
Choreographer: Suzanne O'Keeffe
What a happy shows this is with some of the catchiest numbers Sullivan wrote, and we had an excellent orchestra to do it justice, nice set and wonderful costumes from Pantomime Shop.
The chorus did well but lost their way a little during the finale of act one.
Jonathan Taylor was a good Duke of Plaza Toro and Don Alhambra was played with great panache by the experienced John Bowen.
The brothers Palmieri played well off each other in the form of Michael Kennedy and Brian Tubb. Michael's "Take a pair of sparkling eyes" came across very well indeed.
We had a superb Antonio, who became rather effeminate once on the barmy isle but made the part his own, well done Ian Curlett, he wasn't bad with his dancing shoes on either.
The Duchess was played by Christine Harland and the pretty Lindsey Harries played her daughter, Casilda.
We had two lovely girls playing the brides of the two gondoliers, Helen Wildman played Gianetta but Cecilia Costello's Tessa was a gem, her facial expressions were a treat and she gave a performance that would have made Gilbert smile.
A good show well received by an enthusiastic audience. My thanks to all.
THE GONDOLIERS
Crosby Gilbert and Sullivan Amateur Operatic Society
Producer: Beti Lloyd-Jones
Musical Director: Brian Smith
Choreographer: Suzanne O'Keeffe
What a happy shows this is with some of the catchiest numbers Sullivan wrote, and we had an excellent orchestra to do it justice, nice set and wonderful costumes from Pantomime Shop.
The chorus did well but lost their way a little during the finale of act one.
Jonathan Taylor was a good Duke of Plaza Toro and Don Alhambra was played with great panache by the experienced John Bowen.
The brothers Palmieri played well off each other in the form of Michael Kennedy and Brian Tubb. Michael's "Take a pair of sparkling eyes" came across very well indeed.
We had a superb Antonio, who became rather effeminate once on the barmy isle but made the part his own, well done Ian Curlett, he wasn't bad with his dancing shoes on either.
The Duchess was played by Christine Harland and the pretty Lindsey Harries played her daughter, Casilda.
We had two lovely girls playing the brides of the two gondoliers, Helen Wildman played Gianetta but Cecilia Costello's Tessa was a gem, her facial expressions were a treat and she gave a performance that would have made Gilbert smile.
A good show well received by an enthusiastic audience. My thanks to all.
CHRISTMAS CAROL
Derby Players
Director: Mollie Jackson
This was my first, but I hope not my last, visit to this society.
For this adaptation we had an acceptable set and costumes, except I would question Ebenezer's tights and the lamp which gave light to the room. I felt it should have been larger. It would have been more believable, and where was the crumpet? I mention these small points but on the whole this was a very enjoyable production, if not a little wordy. Ebenezer had good diction, something which each and every member of the cast was blessed with, I am pleased to say, even the youngest.
The only criticism I would make would be that the part of Scrooge had such long speeches, a little more light and shade would have helped.
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Cratchett, played by Malcolm Thompson and Eileen Woollacott, both came across well. We had two lovely cameo parts, those of Belle and Martha, both played with extreme confidence by Jacqui Padden.
Tony Adamson gave his usual good performance as Fessiwig, although I was not to sure about the wig at first. Matt Casson, as the young Ebenezer, showed that this is another good talent emerging as both sides of his character came through and the scene with Belle was very well handled by both young people.
The part of Fred, the nephew, was a nice portrayal by Spencer Snape and what a good singing voice to boot. The two spinsters (Kate Ratoff and Carol Kennedy) were both very strong and lifted the pace each time they appeared.
John Butterfield was a good Ghost of Christmas Present, but excelled as Jacob Marley, and the applause on his exit was well deserved. Kevin Green played the Ghost of Christmas Past.
This production had a supporting cast of children who danced and sang well. There were two very young performances which it would be remiss of me not to mention: Steven Padden who played Ben and John Edge who was Tiny Tim, god bless them every one.
WHITE HORSE INN
Hindley & Wigan Amateur Operatic Society
Producer: Gamma Reid
Choreographer: Jayne Quinlan
Musical Director: Joan Bond
It is good to see societies helping each other and Wigan Little Theatre have done just that by coming to the aid of Hindley and Wigan when the only other local theatre closed down last year. Long may it continue!
The orchestra was a little too loud at times but other than that they were fine. It was an enjoyable evening with some nice performances.
Maria Collier's Josepha was up to her usual standard and Clive Green made a super Leopold - it makes all the difference when the lead can act as well as sing, this was a lovely performance.
Ken West played the part of Sutton with his usual flair and Gill Galloway played the part of Ottoline. The part of Grinkle was played by John Clinton who surprised me by turning in a very credible performance. His make-up was good and he looked and sounded just right and added the years necessary for the part. Well done.
Although Karl is a small part it was played very well by Peter Boon - it is nice to see members of the youth section coming through. This was true too of Thea Kendrick and Robert Delaney, as the bride and groom, who have the memorable line "it's all the same to us".
Congratulations to all three.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
The Hoghton Players G&S Society
Producer: Sally Bankes
Musical Director: Paul Williams
Choreographer: Cheryl Anne Dean
What can I say? This was pure excellent entertainment with a cast that I would not criticise as they worked superbly well as a team, giving us so many funny moments that the author would have, I'm sure, given his blessing too!
John Hilton gave us a Major General whose timing and diction was spot on, a lovely performance, as was that of Frederic played by Mark Warren. What a lovely tenor voice this young man has.
He had some smashing scenes with Sue Lee who played the part of Ruth with a Welsh accent and also used her ample charms on both policemen and Frederic alike.
The other Pirates were also flamboyant with a touch of the "Broadway version" where the pirate king was concerned, but two lovely portrayals by Len Unsworth as the pirate king and his sidekick Samuel played by Ian Mackley.
The policemen were great and their antics, while the Major General performed his "Sighing softly to the river", were very funny indeed.
We also had extremely good performances from the Major's daughters Edith, Kate and Isobel (the ones who speak). All had individual personalities and all well done.
Susanne Denner (Edith) was the bossy one, Helen Cookson was the man mad one, Kate, and Isabel, the simple looking one, in the safe hands of Helen Bennet.
This bevy of beauties was added to by their three other sisters, plus of course Mabel, and this was a superb performance by the very talented Diane Mackley whose diction was perfect in both song and speech.
My thanks to every one involved in what for me was a night to savour. Good costumes from Midland Costume Hire, an excellent production.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
Waterloo and Crosby Theatre Company
Director: Pamela Foy
No matter how often one sees Importance the joy of the language and the perfection of the Wildean epigrams never cease to give enjoyment. So it proved once again with this well cast performance in the most attractive Southport Little Theatre. While all the characters were well portrayed, two in particular stood out for me. Tony O’Keefe as Jack Worthing gave a well-paced and modulated account, totally at home in the required high comedy style. The same qualities were apparent in the Cecily Cardew of Alex Foy and it was most encouraging to see the mature playing of this young actress.
It is always pleasing to see younger players given the opportunity and another to impress was Laura Blundell as Gwendolen. Paul Anton Fletcher was a nicely urbane Algernon though at times I found his interpretation a little too flamboyant in gesture and he did not always allow the lines to flow as they should. The plum role of Lady Bracknell was well taken by a suitably imperious Jill Conlan in best Edith Evans mode.
The supporting (though no less important) roles of Miss Prism and Canon
Chasuble were competently played by Pauline Barry and Roy Hartley. The two
butlers, Lane and Merriman ( Alex Sinclair and Andrew Woolfenden ) also contributed
to an enjoyable evening well directed by Pamela Foy.
(GH)
SCROOGE THE MUSICAL
Knowsley Music Theatre
Director: Steve Titchmarsh
Musical Director: Jim Cooke
Choreography: Penny Caffrey
This show had a cast of thousands or so it seemed and the best compliment I can make was that each and every one on the stage was their own little character. They were in the story, not just bystanders. The choreography was of a very high order and unlike anything I have seen before, which makes a refreshing change. The set and costumes were excellent, Pantomime Shop had added that little extra to each scene and they came alive.
Scrooge was played by Paul Whitehouse and this has to be the best thing I have seen him do. Matthew Higham gave us a good and sympathetic Bob Cratchett and Angela Harrison was a lovely Ghost of Christmas Past. Lisa Elliot gave the part of Mrs. Cratchett the drive and attack the part required.
But two cameo roles stood out for me, those of Jacob Marley played by the impressive Darren Dolphin and Dario Dugandzic's Tom Jenkins whose "Thank You Very Much" was executed with panache.
But the stars of this show were the total cast: the full company numbers had a buzz and energy that was a joy to see.
RETURN TO THE FORBIDDEN PLANET
Manx Operatic Society
Director/Choreographer: Anthony Williams
Musical Director: Jane Quayle
A trip to the Forbidden Planet turned out to be a very enjoyable experience with a navigation officer in the shape of Kelly Tomlinson who was never still all night. A robot called Ariel was played with great panache and coolness by Jim Bassett who spent the evening on roller skates and overcame the substantial stage rake in his stride. Clive Hobson played Prospero and came into his own as the show progressed and his rendition of the Monster Mash was spot on.
What a talent for the future is Danielle Duncan (Miranda), the maturity of her voice and effervescent personality was far greater than her years - this performance was as good as it gets, and although part of a very good ensemble she, along with Sarah Nicholls who played Gloria, shone through.
Matthew James as Cookie gave a professional performance as the Buttons character but he was not alone, David Holland who was Captain Tempest showed he was just as talented by not only playing keyboard but showing also what a super voice he has to boot.
All in all this was a superb show and not because of the excellent principals but the 34 members of the crew who never stopped all night, from welcoming you on board to the final curtain, they made the evening for me.
The set and the staging of this show were better than anything I have seen so far this year. Well done to all concerned and my sincere thanks on behalf of my wife and I for your kind hospitality.
EVENING AT THE OPERA
Merseyside Opera
Musical Director: Michael Hoyland
This concert was split into two with the first half made up of a concert version of Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni. This was very well sung by the principals but, when the full chorus sang it did not have the balance it should. The section that was thin were the tenors, not unusual these days as good tenors are hard to come by.
But still a very entertaining performance from Valerie Watts as Santuzza opposite the talented Nick Hardy as Turiddu.
The parts of Lola and Alfio were sung by Marie Williams and Geoffrey Eliason and Mamma Lucia by Philomena Golding.
The second half was lighter and we had the lovely voices of Barbara McKenzie and Pam Ashcroft, along with numbers from the full chorus all linked together by the humorous and talented Stephen Riordan who sang "I Was a King" from Orpheus.
After numbers from Die Fledermaus and Bizet the evening finished with a rendition of "Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves".
HONK!
Myriad Theatre Company
Director: Ian Preston
Producer: Stephen Simpson
Musical Director: David Houlder
Choreographer: Caroline Foster
First of all, welcome to the association to this youth group, but most of all welcome to region 6 and if this is an example of the standard of production they are a welcome addition.
This was a good set, well lit, and the young performers gave it all they had, full of enthusiasm and energy.
We had a Drake with a wonderful voice in the form of Keith Higham and Daniel Shelvey a young but very tall for his age "Ugly". Katie Rudge gave us a convincing motherly performance as Ida, also a young lady with a sweet voice.
The ladies did very well with two super cameos from Heather Dinnarr and Samantha Arends as the Hen
Lowbut and a sexy cat Queenie with males on her mind. Both were excellent with good diction and in the case of Queenie you could understand the Tom Cat forgetting about his prey for a while, as the cat David Lyon was very effective in this important role.
Adam Campbell was Bullfrog, he was only on stage for one scene but he made an immediate impact with the whole audience, both with his appearance and with his performance. Finally we also had a nice little portrayal by Lucy Frederick of Maureen.
My congratulations to both cast and production team for an entertaining evening.
CINDERELLA
The Pleasure Folk
Director: James Kirby
Musical Director: Nancy Wells
This was 'different'. Although called Cinderella it was only loosely so, you could not say it was a traditional panto. It was not a good script as far as I could make out, unfortunately gremlins would seem to have been at work and the sound let it down. As it was necessary to hear what was going on because of the changes in the story, we were lost - but it was 50% Cinderella and 50% 007 James Button's. Now I've confused you.
Unfortunately it did not work for me. The cast worked hard and we did have some very nice performances. Jim Briscoe was a good Dame as (wait for it!) Edna Stavro Blowave - you see the Bond connections, and we had 'M' and 'Q'.
We had a very sassy Cinderella in Sarah Jones who did not get the pathos out of the role and we did not care enough when she could not go to the ball, in fact I heard several saying "hit her" when the ugly sisters threatened to do so.
We missed the normal Buttons character who in this case was played by Gemma Briscoe and was the 007 persona.
The one superb performance of the evening was Steve Coghlan as Dandini played like the Italian in Hello, Hello. You could not fault his character but it was totally confusing with some in normal panto costume, others in up to date costume and in the end it was neither one thing nor the other.
Dorothy Prothero was one half of the ugly sisters who were in Absolutely Fabulous mode and worked very hard as did the conventional Baron in the form of Steve Willetts.
I could accept all that, but then they had a member of cast who sprayed the audience with water during one scene, this I am sorry from an audience point of view is not on, voluntary audience participation is one thing.
It was disappointing and I would have expected better from this society.
DICK WHITTINGTON
Rainhill A.O.S.
Producer/Choreographer: Erika Case
This was a traditional panto updated, well written, performed extremely well and without doubt one of the most entertaining this year.
Bet Davies made a smashing Dick down to the fishnet tights and the most attractive cat I have seen to date in the form of the Jenny Hanmer. John Avery played the Alderman and Jenny Hawley his daughter Alice. What a lovely voice this young lady has. The Dame was Paul Byron and his sidekick Idle Jack was played very well indeed by Keith Marsh.
We had a exceptional King Rat in the form of Ian Case. This and the character of the cat were both aided in a big way by the make-up department with what, I can only say, was as good as it gets.
But in this panto the side of right was not to be outdone. With a lovely portrayal of Fairy Nuff, by the pretty Rosie Sephton, and apart from the 15 little rats, the main scene-stealer was Paul Davies as the Sultan whose rendition of 'I'm a sex bomb' was something else.
Well done to all the principals and the supporting cast for a panto to remember.
42nd STREET
Southport Amateur Operatic Society
Director: Celia Pope
Choreographer: Sharn Alexander
Musical Director: Brian Hodge
From the moment that the overture started you knew this was going to be something special. The orchestra was superb under the baton of the talented Brian Hodge. This was of a high standard indeed.
The set was good and so were the costumes which I believe were from Northern Costume Hire, but then this show needs good costumes and also excellent dancing. We had that in excess, my congratulations to the choreographer and to the cast for making me wish I had learned to tap years ago. They were so well drilled, it was so enjoyable to watch.
And a leading lady with the talent of Jackie Morris, whose Peggy Sawyer was the best I have seen - this young lady just gets better and better.
Bert and Maggie, played by John Hardiker and Louise Webster, handled their roles well and I particularly liked "Shuffle off to Buffalo", a number they shared with Joanne Davey who, as Anytime Annie, was a scream.
Pat and Dorothy were played by Don Sewell and Margaret Hodge whose last scene with Peggy was extremely well done. Abner Dillon was played by Roy Godfrey and Billy by Rob McGregor who can trip the light fantastic a bit, too.
Julian Marsh, played by David Walker, had the authority that the part demands and he was supported by a supporting cast of dancers kept in line by Andy Lee, played by George Wainwright who is yet another hoofer with a great deal of talent.
My thanks to the society for brightening up a cold wet night, this was a production I could see again but the people of Southport have caught on and they have full houses for the remainder of the run and 1 am not at all surprised.
CURTAIN UP ON MURDER
St. Ambrose Players
Director: Kath Creer
What a smashing play with a lovely twist at the end and, as with all these types of play, they have to be played with truth and reality, otherwise you do not get the result at the end. This group did just that, and deserved the applause they received.
Linda and Alex were played by Hilary Cookson and Alistair Milner and both did well with difficult parts. Martina Keith as Ginny and her friend Sandra, played by Delia Rutledge, set the scene and we had a nice change of character by Delia as the play moves on.
Marjorie and Lionel Glover played Moppet and Harry. Harry must have some of the best closing lines I have come across for some time.
But every play throws up performances that really catch the eye and this is no different. The performances of John Sangster as the Director was the best thing I have seen this actor do and the other was no more than I have grown to expect from the talented Jean Robinson, who gave a gripping performance as Sylvia.
THE YEOMEN OF THE GUARD
St. Helens Catholic Amateur Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Director: Andrew Follin
Musical Director: John Flood
This was a Yeoman with a difference, gone were the trappings of spinning wheel and humour and jollity and in its place a dark set which looked good with its flaming torches, reinforcing the dark and dismal period in which it takes place.
But also having characters that made little or no movement or reaction but instead relied on voice. In some scenes it worked but overall this is a comic opera and no matter how you try Gilbert's lines will get laughs.
Because of the more serious approach "Rapture Rapture" was cut. The result was entertaining but I prefer the laughs to come where Gilbert expected them.
The sounds from the pit were in the capable hands of John Flood and the music went at a lively pace. And on stage Gordon Bowden confidently handled the part of Sir Richard.
Colin Hesketh played Col. Fairfax. This was a reserved portrayal as others were, but he has a nice light tenor voice and will no doubt be in demand if he is not already.
Wilfrid Fildes, as usual, turned in a good performance, as did Terry Follin as the Second Yeoman with his lovely tenor voice.
For the ladies Christine Hill was a good Dame Carruthers and Margaret Johnson sang her part well as Kate - both looked the parts. Carole Smith's Phoebe came alive, especially in the scene's she had with Shadbolt. Gwyneth Holt was in good voice as Elsie.
I was disappointed with Jack Point both in the way the part was played - as I have seen this actor play parts
better - and also his costume which did not look right. I would have also expected costume changes when Elsie was to marry and when Jack Point obtained his new position with the lieutenant.
But the performance of Mark Little as Shadbolt was spoiled by the lack of humour that came from his playing of the part. I assume the way he was directed, lines were lost and any laughs came from Phoebe's reaction.
There was no doubt what happens to Jack Point at the end of this stark and dark production as Jack pulls a dagger and commits suicide. A sad end, and different look at this G&S show, my thanks for an enjoyable evening.
SOUTH PACIFIC
St. Paul's Players
Director: Graham Cohen
Choreographer: Julia M. Salvage
Musical Director: Ronald White
The first thing that you are aware of is the overture and although you always get those who must talk through the overture, in this case it was a pity as this was a fine orchestra with an MD who never failed all evening to bring in the principals. It was smashing to see and I am in no doubt of the help it is to them.
The chorus numbers were strong and they had a super set to play in front of. My congratulations to the scenic artist Howard Bates for a job very well done.
Martin Taylor and Graham Bailey played Stewpot and Professor. Tony Henry was Luther and his caring side came across when he spoke to Nellie and gave us some nice moments.
Liat and Lt. Cable looked right and were played by Sonia Harris and Michael Dootson.
Bloody Mary was in the safe hands of Patricia Connor who gave a sound performance. Stephen Brennan was Emile and had an extremely good voice.
But the young lady who played Nellie was so good that I must say it was the most natural performance that I have seen of this difficult part, she was totally believable. I believe that Liz Blundel has not done a great deal in the past, if so I hope to see more of her, this was an excellent performance.
My thanks to all for an enjoyable evening.
SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS
St. Paul's Players
Director: Vincent Taylor
Producer: Wendy Salvage
Choreographer: Katy L. Henry
Musical Director: David Griffiths
It's panto time again, oh yes it is, and, as I have come to expect with St. Paul's, a panto which features the younger members of the society, and a good thing, too.
We had a well-designed set, extremely good and colourful costumes and excellent choreography. Princess Snow White (Sam Hilton) was charming and came across well as did the attractive Prince Launcelot, played with enthusiasm by Sonia Harris.
Although she gave a credible performance Kathleen Ashworth was miscast as the evil Queen and Philip Armstrong played Herman the baddie with a soft centre.
Muddles (Adrian Beeby) and Dora Dumpling (Michale Dootson) worked well together, but it took time for Muddles' delivery to grow on me, but it did and mainly due to the consistency of the characterisation.
What a strong personality we had from Eleanor Nicholson as the troll Hagwort, no one went to sleep when she was on.
I thought that Vincent Taylor should have been stronger as the Chamberlain but this could be a case of trying to direct as well as perform, not an easy thing to do.
The Dwarfs Bossy (Jennifer Heeks), Batty (Paul Smith), Dozy (Jennifer Atherton), Sneezy (Hayley Anderton), Grumbly (Dannielle Hanson), Happie (Katie Griffiths) and not forgetting Dizzy (Shanon Davies) all performed well but one or two could have been given more to do to bring out their character more.
My thanks to all concerned for an entertaining evening.
CINDERELLA
Waterloo & Crosby Theatre Company
Written and directed by Peter Mercer
Choreographed by Sylvia Stubbs and Claudia Molyneux
This was a wonderful night at a full venue and in Peter Mercer you have one super dame. The choreography was up to its normal high standard and the costumes were as good as ever. Add to that a delectable Cinders in the form of Alex Foy and you are on the way to a totally enjoyable panto. Personally I thought this script was maybe not quite up to the director's normal high standard but that's being picky. One thing with this society, all the major principals have superb diction.
There were some extremely good performances to add to the two I have mentioned. The lovely Louise Hogan played Prince Charming and the songs between the Prince and Cinders were superb.
At this point I must mention the musical back-up and in particular "Auntie Ann " on the piano that has to be one of the best.
It was nice to see Martin O'Boyle back to play Buttons, an endearing performance. Shelagh Brennan-Jones was Dandini and a good foil for the two ugly sisters, Peter Mercer and Tony Waldron, who gave the best performance I have seen from this actor.
The Baron was played b Andrew Wolfenden who struggled with his characterisation but the same could not be said of his wife, the Baroness; here Sandra Rimmer played the part for all she was worth.