Emperor of the Moon

There was already a buzzing audience of all ages as we took our ‘space’ in this evening’s beautiful performance area. We were in the stunning garden of The Canterbury Hotel. The truly grand trees, trimmed lawn and healthy, glossy shrubbery were ‘lush’. Best of all the sky was still, clear, and blue. 

The players had an enormous stage and used it to very good effect. Congratulations to Sarah Lockyer – Director – who had struck exactly the right pace and ‘weight’ to please all ages. 

Errol Flynn – who played Dr Baliardo was very convincing, elegant, eccentric and eager. Determined in his belief that the moon was the home of a superior race and the only acceptable source of husbands for his daughter and niece. I liked the pathos and earnest delusion he brought to the role. 

Pam Pearce, playing Elaria the daughter of Dr Baliardo, and Eleanor Shuttlewood playing her cousin Bellamante, were both delightful heroines. Champions for the young girls in the audience.

Suitors Charmante and Prince of Thunderland, and Frazier Mulford-Lawlor as Cithio and Emperor of the Moon were ideal matches for their respective ‘lady-loves’. Elaria – Pam Pearce, Mopsophil – Haley Schneider, Harlequin – Cal Harbottle, Page /Galileo – James Groombridge, Florinda – Caroline Groombridge, Pedro/Kelper – Rufus Tassell, Stentor – Tarquin Taylor, and Priestess – Marisa Taylor all contributed to this very special performance. Thank you for an evening of magic.

I will never forget the audible ‘gasp from the youngsters in front of us, when the ‘Emperor of the Moon’ arrived and the fairy-lights flashed into action - just as the garden had descended from dusk into darkness.  Truly great timing.

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