Hansel and Gretel

The week before Christmas is always an enjoyable one for me as I have for many years seen Durrington Theatrical Society’s pantomime. This is only the second one for which I have had to write a review. So for a further time I am delighted to say that the production was up to the usual high standard. It contained the correct variety of ingredients - a good basic story with a love interest, singing from cast and audience participation, dancing, comedy, behind-yous, jokes that make you groan, a good versus evil coupling and strong distinctive characters.

The titular characters, Hansel and Gretel (Lewis Howard and Posy Kirwin), were well cast and played a delightful part throughout the performance. Bluebell and Nightshade (Pam Stringer and Abbe Gray) provided the good versus evil element with expertise. The children’s parents Hildegard and Fritz (Simone Munroe and John Stovold) provided the wicked step-mother and hen-pecked husband duo. The dame, Peggy Pumpernickel (Mark Barnes) did a magnificent portrayal and was ably assisted by two offspring, Wally and Heather (Antony Leigh and Grace Brandon). Wally was responsible for the jokes that make you groan and Heather sang the harmonies for the songs with her future husband, Prince Johann (Kiarnie Camp). Two yokels were included in the plot and these were Basil and Nut-Meg (Fran Mansell and Becky Wilson). Their comedic characters were just right and produced some subtle humour. One more duo in the script was the Crows - Russell & Sheryl (Aimee Bullimore and Emma Godden). These two bullies aided the wicked witch with her evil plans for her personal children’s menu. There were also eight very young dancers who were so enchanting in their variety of costumes and a nineteen strong cast of villagers who made an excellent sound in all the ensemble numbers.

The music was provided by just three musicians but was well balanced with the large number of cast on stage. The befitting scenery, which was constructed and painted by the members of ther company, was bright and cheerful for all of  the show except for when it was required to be spooky for the dark forest scenes. Costumes for the cast were in good keeping for the Germanic setting of the piece.

Congratulations to director, musical director, choreographer, cast, crew and all for a very enjoyable evening of fun.  

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