Camelot The Pantomime

Camelot

A Pantomime written by Ben Crocker

Performed by Broadclyst  Theatre Group

At The Victory Hall, Broadclyst on 8th February 2024

Directed by Wendy Harrington

Co-directed by Jane Barnes

Musical Director Rachael Grimshire

Choreographed by Freya Bett and Nicole Haizelden

Camelot, the pantomime, was a first for me and for many of the audience but what a ‘medieval ‘treat we had in store.  The auditorium was festooned with colours and banners (gonfalons) hanging from the ceiling, grey and red and green, associated with the Knights they represent giving the sense of a banqueting hall from the Twelfth Century. The stage was extended and decorated again with two banners shielding the smoke pyrotechnics used throughout the performance. The set was created well, with four entrances and exits, stage right and stage left, plus the central steps at the front of the stage, giving the large cast and director great choice and thus assisting the smooth running of the pantomime.

I mention a large cast as it is so essential for a company to nurture new talent and youthful talent at that. Broadclyst Theatre Group has this in spades as many of the principal parts were played by younger actors who complemented the adult cast perfectly. 

With clever use of gobo effect lighting and smoke pyros we meet Morgan Le Faye, Queen of the Night and a sorceress, dressed in a black and silver dress with black boots and the look of evil upon her. Great characterisation by this actor, with a strong stage presence throughout, clear diction and a meanness just right for the role. Having total domination over her minions, The Evil Sisterhood, she wreaks havoc trying to prevent Arthur marrying Guinevere, using magic and Valerian the Vicious, to scupper the nuptials. Valerian, dressed in black leather is a wuss, ‘nicely’ nasty at times and a real namby-pamby controlled by his overbearing mother. Both experienced actors who worked well together.  Merlin, in his blue robe, blue hat, long white beard and wig is portrayed as a little dippy and befuddled by this actor but always one step ahead of Morgan Le Faye, well, eventually.

Guinevere, beautifully dressed at all times, was delightful feisty, with a sweet singing voice and a lovely stage presence along with her BFF, Nell, who was also enjoyable to watch.

King Uther, Arthur’s father, played by an actor with assurance and poise, is followed around by a servant with a stool throughout. Being an actor of shorter stature, this was a clever touch and comical indeed.  His Jester, Laughalot, had great interaction with the audience, with excellent comic timing, he was a joy to watch. I was especially impressed with the performance of the young actor playing Prince Arthur who gave us a resolute portrayal with a characterisation the audience warmed to, as they should.

As always, no pantomime is complete without its Dame and Connie Clatterbottom was not a dame to be messed with. In numerous colourful, outrageous outfits and wigs, Connie, nurse to Arthur, commanded our attention with great lines such as ‘I’d like to get my hands on a small part and make it bigger’!

As previously mentioned, the Evil Sisterhood composed of Glitonea, lovely actor with a sassy malevolence and her sisters, Avery, Portis, Celeste, and Elvinia who were junior performers and just fabulous. Every one of these young cast members acted with confidence, had superb diction and danced expertly. Well done indeed.

Opposing them were The Knights of Camelot, Galahad, Grr-Wayne, Bedivere, all young actors led by a more mature Sir Roundsound. Again, all of these performances were exceptional. Each one had a specific character, each with clear diction and comedic timing making the audience roar with laughter. The very young actor who played Young Knight was a joy to watch, acting and reacting constantly. In fact, each and every cast member, and I watched closely, were living their role at all times. To achieve this takes determination and input from a committed director and musical director.

We were treated to some fabulous cameo roles too from Lassie of the Lake, who sang beautifully in ‘We will find our Queen’ and ‘Dance off Medley’, Young Merlin (also Grr-Wayne), Nilrem (the grumpy head on the table and Merlin’s alter-ego) and the sarcastic Talking Clock. With a cuddly Derek the Dragon, Teddy and other furry friends this pantomime was complete… oh and a forgetful Bishop, too.

The musical numbers were cleverly put together, mostly modern songs with their words changed to suit the story and sang well by every member of the cast. Special mention must be made to Freya Brett and Nicole Haizelden for the superb choreography created for each number and expertly danced by those involved.

I was impressed with the staging, lighting and sound. Enchanted forest backdrops, star cloth, moveable flats all of which moved with speed allowing the production to flow seamlessly. The expert use of Pyro’s added a professional touch. Lighting cues were spot on and I especially loved the effects in the cauldron scene. Every word from every person on stage could be heard and the levels were perfect during the production numbers.

Huge appreciation must go to the wardrobe mistress, Carolyn Daniels. Every cast member was dressed superbly well, from the Knights in their tabards and chain-mail, the gold and black jumpsuits for the Evil Sisterhood, Guinevere’s beautiful dresses, the Dame’s outfits and wigs, Merlin’s robes (all three sizes) and the added touches of leather belts, swords and face paint, brought the production to life.

I must also pay homage to the set builders and designers. It is not easy to turn a village hall into Camelot but you did a great job. This was a wonderful evening of entertainment from a talented and thriving company and I congratulate the whole company, cast, production team, backstage crew, and front of house.

On a personal note, I would like to thank you all, on behalf of myself and my husband, for such a warm welcome for my first visit as your Noda representative. It was very special indeed.

Lyn Burgoyne

Noda Representative (Mid and East Devon, District 5)

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