Babes In The Wood

We were warmly welcomed by the FOH team and shown to our seats. The Panto opened with Fairy Fluster ( Lynn Perera) setting the scene along with her fairy helpers, Willow, Cowslip and Thistledown who were all delightful. She also introduced us to the suitably evil, Baron D’Evil (Neil Jackson) who got the audience warmed up with their ‘booing’ and ‘hissing’. Mr Blue Sky was the first big chorus number which was a happy, joyful number and all looked enthusiastic and gave the song plenty of energy. The young girls all looked particularly good with long plaited hair, which showed a nice attention to detail.

The two Babes, Emmaline and Edwin were played by Evelyn Marriott and Jack Ostler. These two very young people, worked well together and stayed in character the whole time. Well done to them. Ray Seager played the dame Cheri Bakewell, who looked wonderful in her colourful costumes and with a Bakewell tart hat complete with cherry on top. He had a great voice and several songs, which he sung very well. Spittle & Lurch (Glyn Hill and Kerry Bloom) were the comedy slapstick duo. They had two good cameo parts and they really seemed to enjoy playing these silly characters, giving us plenty of laughs.

As the Panto progressed we were taken to the forest where we met Robin Hood and Maid Marion (Brian Harvey and Sophie Bridges), not forgetting Friar Tuck and Will Scarlet (Brian Spalding and Sandie Finbow). Alice-A-Dale and Little Jane (Bex Nicholls and Gracie Seager) were involved in lots of the scenes. They were lively characters, and acted and sang very enthusiastically. Bex had also helped with the choreography and these two girl’s talents were noticeable as they lead several of the dances to the musical numbers with great energy. Indeed all the songs were well choreographed and suitably matched to the talents of the individuals in their particular numbers. All the ensemble and cast did well with their own little characters despite a few first night nerves.

The singing was to taped music and Maria King had certainly brought out the best in the cast with some very good singing and a good choice of appropriate songs. Costumes by Orchard Player’s costume department were all colourful and well fitting with nice attention to detail including the footwear which was all very appropriate. The set and props had all been made ‘in house’ and added well to create the right atmosphere, as did the sound and lighting, despite a few technical issues with the sound.

This was a traditional family village Panto and the whole audience were very appreciative and entered into the spirit of the evening. Congratulations to James and his assistant Director Charlea, along with all the cast and crew for a very entertaining evening.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.