Camelot The Panto

This Ben Crocker pantomime had all the ingredients it takes to make this popular genre work, and Angela Swift took full advantage to stage an excellent production. It was well paced throughout, with lots of comedy and not a dull moment to be had.  The Watsons are fortunate in having a strong principal line up and this combined with sure-fire direction ensured an entertaining evening. 

As the villain, Morgan Le Fey, Yvonne Baird was deliciously evil,  Jack Woolley, a most mardy Valerin The Vicious,  with Patricia Church as his over-protective mum.  Andrew Buxton, extracted energetically every ounce of comedy from his role as Laughalot the Jester, together with Carl McGarrigle as the droll King Uther, and Wayne Perry, admirable as the dotty Merlin.  The love interest was handled most competently with great vocals by Ellie Mallinson as Prince Arthur and Anna Cousins as a most quirky independent Guinevere.  Other principals worthy of note were David Jones as Connie the Dame, Catherine Baker, playing Nell the maid, and Liz Woolley a likeable Teddy, with Josh Robinson as Marlon the bad Knight.  The chorus gave wholehearted support, with well drilled and lively dancing.  I particularly liked The Evil Sisterhood at the onset of Act 2.

As usual, the costumes were first-class, both colourful and innovative, and with a simple but effective set, and Jordan Baird`s excellent band, this was a classy panto which the responsive audience lapped up. 

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