Calamity Dame

I very much look forward to seeing my friends at the Whitwell Players who give me and every member of their audience a warm welcome and who always put on a great show.

You can tell instantly that this is a Community Theatre company who are very much part of Whitwell life and who draw family, friends and neighbours into their audience.  This was very much in evidence this afternoon as we were transported by the cast to Big Gulp for a western themed Pantomime.

Heading the cast was Neil White as Calamity herself.  Neil did a fine job all afternoon ensuring that the audience were included and the younger members were fed with copious packets of sweets at various points in the proceedings.  Nic Pelham was on fine form as Dipper and I hope her throat has now recovered from the gravelly delivery she managed throughout the show.  Maureen Cox was a very sympathetic Sheriff Clint Eastree while Keeley Camilleri and Terri Downing shone vocally as Felicity and Stella respectively.

Paul Wood was in fine moustache twirling form as evil land owner and railway mogul Frankston out to destroy the village in the interest of progress and profit for himself.  Paul certainly managed to get the audience to boo heartily whenever he appeared and cheer at his final comeuppance so a job well done.  Jeanne Raspin was almost unrecognisable as Subo in muscle suit and outrageous Scottish accent but her comic timing shone through as usual.

Dan Ringer was a suitably deadpan Chief Passing Wind ably supported by Christina Goucher and Sue Hilton as Two Moons Rising and Laughing Water.  The 4 Betty’s (Sue, May, Ann and Lou) were all in great voice with neat choreography so congratulations to Sarah Reynolds, Lauren Greenhalgh, Zara Skidmore and Joanna Thorpe.  The big beaver was, I’m sure, played equally well by both Olivia Cookson and Ethan Camilleri with Julie Cookson, Joel Medlam and Sam Skidmore completing the fine comedy ensemble cast.

Jo Thorpe had done an excellent job with the cast creating this Pantomime with the team clearly having as much fun as their audience.  The pace of the scene changes enabled the action and fun to always stay at a high level.  Lighting and sound were delivered well by Gabe Cassidy and William Beamish with the backing track never overpowering the cast vocals and the home-produced costumes completed the overall effect.

Many thanks to all for another fun packed afternoon in Whitwell, Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you again in 2024,

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