A Christmas Cracker

It is already confusing for me as the wonderful Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company do their pantomime in Spring! So ….. ‘A Christmas Cracker’ was a Christmas show? I don’t care what they told the Council and the Corn exchange, it was a pantomime! .. and a very good one too.

There had been a few changes to the usual LHMTC format. Most notably that the ‘go to’ wordsmith, Les Miles, was having a rest. I say rest in the flimsiest of contexts as she had still worked with musical genius, Tim Rock, to produce umpteen sets of lyrics for the original songs in this production. Scripting was credited to Alex Nadel and Carl Smith, and, looking through the program confirmed my suspicions that these guys were part of the LHMTC in house team The story involves Father Christmas sending mischievous Jack Frost on a mission to prove he is ready to become a senior member of the Santa Claus team. Jack has to wrestle with circumstances and the bad influences of his inner self (Evil Jack) as they try to steer him from the straight and narrow. I am pleased, nay delighted, to report that Mr Frost held firm, took the moral high ground and got the job!!!! A very happy ending, of course.

Whatever this beautifully inclusive group put on there are quite a few constants. The spectacular backcloths were as breath-taking as usual and the simple scenery did everything it needed to do. Complimentary lighting (Ashley Mayes) and sound (Tim Rock and Scott Hunter) were perfection as they always are. And costumes (Michelle Smith, Sue Winn and Una Rock) were perhaps just a little bit more spectacular than usual ! Hair and Wigs (uncredited) together with makeup (Zoe Adams) all added to the professionalism of this production.

The cast was once again vast, and sadly far too many to mention individually. Everyone was so enthusiastic, focused and looking like they were having such a great time. Choreography was by Zoe Adams and was amongst the best I have seen in recent years. It fitted nicely with the music and pushed the performers a little without ever leaving them looking out of their depth. I have seen Miss Adams in and around these shows for a few years now and she really understands what makes them tick. She was on stage quite often this night and I don’t think I have ever seen her quiet so animated.

In the supporting roles Callum Eldson-Bird, Conor Jones and Alex Page were in fine form, as were George Templeman as Sid, Kerry Bensley as Jane, delightful Josh Large as Granddad, Chantelle Booth as Bert, Sarah Newman as Mavis and Lauren Morano as Alice. Slightly more prominent and equally watchable were Kacie Butler as Mary, Phoebe Smith as Rose, Carl Smith as Tom, Sarah Hawkins as Wart and Helen Fenton as Verruca. That is (of course) not to mention Ellie-Mae Smith as Stan, Sophia Dawson as Can, Alex Nadel as Rouge, and excellent Zoe Adams as Blusher.

In the larger roles Tom Bains and Matt (always Matty to me) Smedmor were great in drag as Santa’s lookouts and Jack’s guardians, Twinkle and Toes. Mr Smedmor particularly looking, and walking, in a very feminine way, enjoying as he always does the laughter than he received. Another performer on top form was Alana Gemmell as Mrs Claus and I really enjoyed Andy Russell as the big fella himself. He looked every inch the perfect Father Christmas.

Emily Butler really is a quality performer. I have seen he in this company a few times now and she always delivers an excellent act. As Evil Jack, her characterisation was really chilling and she never slipped out of that character for a minute. She has a lovely singing voice and a wonderful sense of timing, all of which she put to good use in this production.

Penultimate paragraph honours could really only go one way and that was the way of Jordan Winn as Jack Frost. Mr Winn has a mighty stage presence and when he is in the spotlight you just can’t take your eyes off him. He looks great, delivers his lines with style and works the audience well when required. His only weakness is his singing voice, which could do with a little help. It wasn’t a massive issue but because he is so strong in all other departments it would be worth having a few lessons to help him along as he grows in confidence.

I say what I always say at this point: Thank you Lavender Hill Mob for a very uplifting festive experience. I cried (of course) at the end and marvelled (of course) at the achievement of simply getting so many people on stage at one time, let alone getting them to perform to this standard. And, when you take into consideration the issues that the organisers have to deal with that other societies don’t … it is simply staggering! Artistic Direction by Les Miles could not be faulted and as I scrutinised the program I noticed ….that girl Adams again as Assistant Director ! Tim Rock’s many original songs were right up there with his best, with the swing number good enough in my opinion for any cabaret. I may well ask TR if I can borrow it!!! As I left the pleasingly full Corn Exchange, I thought to myself, “Thanks LHMTC. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

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