Camelot the panto

My thoughts regarding the poster saying ‘Camelot the panto’ were not over-promising but Ben Crocker’s script actually dispelled my doubts with a quirky version of the tale in Morgan le Fay’s kidnapping of Guinevere for Valerin and rescue by Arthur and Merlin, and including a Dame in form of a Nurse to give the pantomime feel.

An excellent set and so many newly recruited into the crew, how many villages (or indeed bigger theatres) can produce a crew of eleven plus designer/painter? Liked the retreating bed into wall for haunted/ghost sequence, and especially the two sets doors which gave such opportunities for the chase sequence with the magic love philtre, very slick, and director Jimpy Casson exploited these scenes to the full.

A big recruitment into the company with many new and talented teenagers playing leads amongst the more experienced members, this has to be good to expand the society and look to the future. With Lilly Hodges as Valerin the Vicious in menacing style partly controlled by Mum, Susie Jowett, wanting Guinevere like a spoilt child leading off the story. Emma Frith gave a very strong role as Laughalot the friend of Arthur, and worked well with Nell from Clodagh Lohan as a duo in support, The names we know, Guinevere from Holly Warren as principal girl, and Arthur from Olivia McCleod in their quest to find each other for that wedding. Add in Merlin, Susie Clark beneath a huge wig and beard, with a science scene to create the love filter (pink with bubbles), and young Merlin (Harry Hartley), Marlon the Knight (Annabelle Hartley), and we complete the youngsters who all stood their roles and projected the voices well.  

Amongst the more adult roles, and not forgetting the chorus of court and witches, a tall dominant King Uther from Richard Peat not totally in control of his son Arthur, and as mentioned Susie Jowett as Mum. Plus the loveable Teddy from Ellie Hupton who kept the children amused.

How lovely to see Roger Turner returned to health after so long off the stage, what a proper traditional Dame in Connie Clatterbottom with correct red wig, rosy cheeks and the OTT style and voice and figure of all that is perfect for the Dame role.         

And the role to die for and to extract every last boo and hatred, Meryl Anderson as Morgan Le Fay had it all with the figure and costume, the voice and huge personality, a style of perfection, how great as the wickedness required in every pantomime, and retreating to good at the finale as required.   

An evening of fun and laughter, involvement and participation, a good start to the pantomime season.

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