A Little Panto on the Prairie

How refreshing to see something new on the Pantomime circuit, this funny script by Rich Lock was absolutely full of the usual jokes , lots of puns, laughter and risque comments, An excellent choice for the Society's 40th Celebration.

In the wild west town of Windy Bottom Madam Moonshine runs the local Saloon with hapless barman Tumbleweed and of course we have the evil Sheriff Cactus Jack, a Cowboy hero Buck, a heroine Sandy and a Fairy Saddlesore;

The pantomime was narrated by Grandma and Grandpa, (Bethany Ellis, Nathaniel Hyde the identical twin of the Director) they held their characters throughout.  Buck the Cowboy , (Zac Swift) a delight to watch, along with Sandy, (Molly Inglesfield) they sang moved and acted extremely well together.  Madam Moonshine and Tumble, (Drew McCloskey, Dan Shawe) worked hard to amuse the audience.

Sheriff Cactus Jack, (Martin Lawlor, nice to see you back on stage) was thoroughly evil and played his audience brilliantly.  With good support from his two sidekicks the Henchmen Jose and Hose B, they were as nasty as the Sheriff, and a Fairy with the unsual name of Saddlesore was well protrayed.

The panto really picked up pace in the second Act with the entrance of Big Chief Pow Wow How Now Brown Cow, (John Nelson) lots of laughs here, Silent Bob, (Nick Clenton) acted the role well and then suddenly found his voice after drinking Madam's Moonshine.  Abigail French Twigg was the little smiling Rabbit that kept bouncing across the stage thoroughout.

The stage was full of little children boys and girls in the chorus all obviously enjoying themselves.  The number "If I was not Upon the Stage" was very well done and appreciated by the audience. 

Good scenery, props and special effects, the costumes were absolutely brilliant, especially the Gold Rush finale with everyone dressed in black and gold, must mention the costumes for the Cowboy Derby, one word superb, how the Wardrobe Mistress made them I really don't know.

Well done to everyone both on stage and off.

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