Camelot the Panto

It makes a refreshing change to see a pantomime based on something different. Everyone knows the story of King Arthur and the Round Table and his knights and his great love of Guinevere but I wondered if it was pantomime material.  Well there was no need to worry on that score.  This script written by Ben Crocker was a winner in every respect.  As always, the set was cleverly arranged to make the most use of a small area and the props were very imaginative, especially the horses ridden by the Knights and Merlin’s Magic laboratory with his live inventions.  The costumes were colourful and brilliantly thought out, being incredibly varied, and a fascinating selection of wigs all adding hugely to the humour of the whole production. The Orchestra played a good variety of numbers, some better known than others but all with great musicality. The singing was very well performed by the principals adequately supported by the chorus whose dancing was cleverly choreographed and obviously well rehearsed.  It is difficult to pick out the stars of this particular production as there were so many excellent performances from so many members of the cast. The ‘Baddies’ were portrayed by Zoe Green, Mark Barnes, Francis Mansell and Tracey Shaughnessy bringing forth plenty of ‘booings’ but equal quantities of laughter from the audience.  Even more laughter was evoked by Andre Dore (the dame), Jack Winrow (the court jester) and Kate Cooper (Puff, the dragon).  Equally important were the straight parts, the cement of a good pantomime.  These were excellently performed and sung by Judy Sawyer (Prince Arthur), Lindsey Woodman (Guinevere), Malcolm Stuart (Merlin), Peter Woodman (King Uther) and Emma Godden (Nell).  The other principals and chorus performed with plenty of humour and enthusiasm giving good support and helping to make this a memorable production.  The director must be congratulated on making the most of her very talented cast.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.