Cleopatra

~~When I was invited to see a Pantomime called Cleopatra I didn't know what to expect, but I have to say this production from CADOS written and directed by Paul Carr was an innovative outstanding production. This Pantomime was a very good example of how very enjoyable something different can be without compromising the traditional Pantomime experience.  I must also mention the excellently made and very detailed atmospheric scenery and props which took us back to ancient Egypt, it was obvious that a great deal of research and hard work had gone into building the set, which more than added to the success of this Pantomime, well done to all the designers, set builders, props makers and all the backstage and technical crew.
All the cast gave admirable performances, working together very well with no weak links, producing some very funny wonderful characters with excellent comic timing, good singing and acting. The cast included Scarlett Gorman as Carter and Ryan Norse as Carnarvon, who on discovering the tomb of Tutankhamen – a mummified Jacqueline Green,  accidentally released the dastardly Evil Asp from a Jewel in which he had been trapped for over two thousand years, both Scarlett and Ryan made a very good double act, their antics dressed as a camel when trying to steal The Book of the Dead was very funny, The Evil Asp was played by Ashley Hambrook, who was the epitome of a Pantomime baddy getting plenty of boos from the audience. Unfortunately, his only thought was vengeance, so with the help of the jewel he transports himself along with Carter and Carnarvon back to the Ptolemaic period in ancient Egypt to try reverse the fate which had befallen him and he uses Carter and Carnarvon as his henchmen with the promise that he will return them to their own time when their task is completed.  On arrival in Ancient Egypt we meet Amy Hardcastle as Ali Ooop, the Pharaoh’s Architect who had a very good rapport with the audience which was a must in this type of role and Alan Levesley as Pharaoh Nuff who worked comically together very well with Andy Burke as his wonderful wife Neffy-Titty. They were the parents of Cleopatra – nicely played by Rachel Offord. It was her 18th Birthday and she was to marry a man her parents’ had chosen for her, who just happened to be the man she was in love with. Mark Antony - Max Porter whose very funny facial expressions had the audience laughing loudly, Rachel and Max also worked very well together making a very good central Pantomime romantic couple. Siobhan Edge as the hard of hearing Rah-Me-Says had some great comedic lines which she delivered very well and along with Charli Bradbury as her daughter Aria also played important roles in the story, which ended with good triumphing over Evil as the Asp’s plan of course did not work.
 The chorus of slaves led by their union spokesman Jim, played very well by Molly Watkins supported the principal cast very well producing some very funny characterisations of their own, and the fact that their negotiating skills left a lot to be desired and the shorten name for their union spelt PRATTS went down very well with the audience. Generally, diction and clarity of words was very good meaning the audience could follow the story easily.
There was a good selection of musical numbers all performed and sung very well, and  all were accompanied by backing tracks. Choreography from Kate Burke and Rebecca Dickinson was innovative, up to date, very well thought out, suiting the story and production well, it was also performed excellently by the dancers. Costumes were bright and colourful and it was obvious some research had gone in to getting them as authentic as possible, just right for the period and story and along with excellent make up, wigs and hair really enhanced the production.
This was an excellent and fresh look at a Pantomime which was well received by the audience and congratulations to Paul Carr and to all involved in this outstanding production, thank you very much for inviting us we had a very entertaining evening.

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