Dick Turpin Rides Again

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Assistant to Director Gareth Jordan-Burrows and met the Director, Margaret Surrey during the evening.

The magnificent sets were once again designed by Stage Manager Terry Surrey and painted by the society. The forest scene was particularly striking and attractive, using lighting and a steaming cauldron to create a brilliant scene and location for witches.

The panto opened with good sound effects of a horse trotting and neighing then Dick Turpin entered and the curtains opened to a colourful and rousing version of ”Da Do Ron Ron“ by the cast. Stuart Goodchild, as (Dame) Doris Dolittle was very good in the role with plenty of innuendo and jokes to encourage the enthusiastic audience who responded readily. Isaac Jordan-Burrows, as Simon

Dolittle, her son was a rather hapless but cheeky character and Simon performed this well. Jessica Harris was Maggie Micklegate a rather sweet and quiet barmaid at the pub who, of course, would fall in love with Dick Turpin. Lucy Ellis, as Dick, developed the role well, including some traditional thigh slapping and sang a wistful duet with Jessica.Their voices blended well and the two were well paired. The villains of the panto were James Hughes as Squire Grabbit ( after the rent from Doris) and his two bailiffs Nicola Jaynes and Cheryl Regan as Knuckle and Duster. The bailiffs were hilarious with their antics and expressions and their movements around the stage and tabs. Well done and they garnered many boos and hisses from the audience.

Hannah Croxford, as Judge Mental was aggressive and lordly in manner, aided by the two Bow Street Runners, Hand and Cuff, played by Tom King and Jacky Mitchell.

There was a very comical rendition of “If I Were Not In Pantomime” which was well sung and the audience loved it.

Pru Page was perfect as Physic Sally wafting across the stage with a slightly ethereal air.  Bess , the horse was very well played by Monty Ellis and Jamie Gower with some excellent actions on stage! Well done for making the horse such a vital part of the action.

I loved the scene in the woods with the witches and Warlock. All these young actors performed so well and really acted the parts convincingly. There was also a fantastic UV scene which worked really well. I enjoyed watching Zara Watson, an excellent dancer and gymnast in her skilful routine. There was a small chorus on stage, including Kevin, contributing to the movement and singing. Movement and dance overall was fairly basic but everyone was in time and well rehearsed. Steph Felton provided the backing vocals and led the small band, along with Alex Lawrence.

Some excellent costumes and wigs contributed to the overall effect on stage.

Many congratulations to everyone involved but especially to Director Margaret Surrey and her assistant Gareth Jordan Burrows who worked so hard to bring out the best from the cast and were imaginative and innovative in bringing this panto to stage.

The audience loved it and so did I!

 

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