Camelot - The Panto

Moving out of the realms of the usual format Bampton Players took its audience on an adventurous journey to the fantasy world of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, and in a very challenging space managed to produce all the expected and well-loved elements of traditional pantomime. Audience participation was encouraged from the start, laying the foundation for a warm, inclusive and fun-filled production. All the cast from the principals to the chorus played their part sincerely, interacted together well, and kept the story going, despite the very close proximity of the audience, although the pace did drop a little at times. The “baddies” were suitably selfish, and the trio of Merlins delightful from the “little” to the “large”, with identical costumes and wonderful beards. There were some interesting role reversals amongst the cast not typical of the norm, and which for the most part worked well. The casting of a female Dame certainly did not diminish the role, and was played with a great “matter-of-fact - what you see is what you get style”. Laughalot the Jester brought a simple and well-received goofy slant to the part, quickly getting the audience on her side, but at times it did seem a little too laid-back. The King showed great characterisation, her expressions and dismissive asides were spot on causing much amusement throughout, and the young-man as Prince Arthur gave a confident and attractive performance, and had good stage presence. There were some clever and very funny touches, the ever grumbling Knights “galloping –in” on horseback were particularly memorable, and the bedroom, talking clock and ghost scenes well achieved in such a tight space, and well -orchestrated by the back-stage crew. Hard work and careful thought had been given to costumes and props, and music well-chosen with songs fitting the story-line and not too long. The small band at the side of the stage brought their own charm and presence to the occasion, adding to the warm ambience and team feeling of the production.

‘Tricia Barclay

NODA Representative District 6

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