Hansel and Gretel

As with many of the Brothers Grimm`s fairy tales Hansel and Gretel lends itself to pantomime quite well, though I must confess that in the twenty plus years of performing in Panto, I can`t ever remember seeing or appearing in any version of the story………. Until now. The story tells of a cannibalistic witch who has a penchant for children as hors d’oeuvres, luring them into her cottage in the woods - the cottage made of cake and sweets making it all the more enticing to the children who fall easily under the witches spell - until she meets her match in Hansel and Gretel. So, does this story with a sponge based domicile have a soggy bottom or does it leave you wanting a slice or two more?

As with all pantomimes it`s a tale of Good overcoming Evil, represented in this case by Bluebell, the Fairy of the Forest, and Nightshade, the Wicked Witch of the Woods played by Tracey Aukland and Lynne Fieldhouse, both enjoying their roles as much as the audience. It really helped that as story tellers in verse their diction was precise and audible.    
Hansel and Gretel (Freya Knight and Amelia Knox) carried their roles well proving themselves not to be underestimated by Nightshade and winning the day in the end (thanks to liquorice rope and a little guile).  

Their battleaxe stepmother Agatha (played by Kathy Talbot) had been bewitched by Nightshade, alongside her downtrodden husband, Fred (Andrew Bodenham) made for a great naughty and nice couple - bouncing off each other well, managing to pull off the many “take my wife” jokes.

Most of the audience participation came from the dame, Peggy Pepperpot (John Aukland) and her silly son, Wally played by Robyn Parry. Keeping the audience entertained throughout with their catchphrases and Peggy`s Knocker.

Another comic duo in the production Basil and Nutmeg constantly thinking of schemes to make money out of visiting tourists, played earnestly by Audrey Mason and Muriel Hildrew

As with every panto, there has to be a love element who go on to live happily ever after, and in this one it`s provided by Peggy`s daughter Heather (Kate Wales) and Prince George (Emily Stapylton).

Prince George was well looked after by his Equerry, Grace Peters. All playing their roles well and engaging the audiences with their performances.

Other characters adding to the story were Klaus the ringmaster from the travelling circus (Gil Chee), Sheryl and Russell Crow (Rachael Shone and Rosie Shone) – actual crows, aiding and abetting Nightshade, extras from Wind in the Willows and even a guest appearance from Little Red Riding Hood and many other minor roles, too numerous to mention for fear of forgetting somebody.

With all of this, a good script and an enthusiastic chorus, plenty of local references and a willing audience, you have a really good family Pantomime.
All of the performers and stage crew worked hard to bring us this panto - using backcloths, book-flats and props, they made the most of the venue. Lighting was good though on the odd occasion the Bluebell and Nightshade delivered their lines in darkness due to the transitions between scenes.

The band were good, keeping pace and adding to the humour in parts, never so loud that you couldn`t hear the singing though.

Choreography by Roseanna Aukland and Rachael Shone was good and effective with direction from the “Adult Cast” ………… Or should that really be the “Big Kid” cast?

Silverdale Village Players really do have a level of community like no other I have seen and the venue, Gaskell Hall, is typical of one that has been lovingly cared for and establishing itself as a real hub for the village. Seating for the Panto was very informal - cabaret style with tables and chairs, people bringing their own food and wine (which probably helps for the audience participation stuff) creating a really nice, warm and welcoming atmosphere. Next time I go, I`ll have to remember to bring a full picnic like the table next to me.

Thank you Silverdale Village players, for your invite and hospitality.

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