Hansel and Gretel

Not many things these days can bring a community together, but a pantomime certainly can and Normanton Musical Theatre Societies production of Hansel and Gretel certainly did that.

Hansel and Gretel is not a pantomime that is overly familiar to me or, indeed, produced very often, though, of course, I remember the story published by the Brothers Grimm. Hansel (Ruby Gaynor) and his sister Gretel (Georgia Sorby) are left in the woods by their reluctant father, Fritz (Steve Littler) and horrible stepmother, Hildegard (Victoria Wilkinson). Initially they find their way back home only to have the same event repeated. Hansel thinks quickly and leaves a trail of crumbs, but these are eaten, and when they are abandoned again, they are forced to rely on two crows, Russell (Evie Hampton) and Sheryl (Chloe Butcher) – love the names - to show them the way. The only trouble is they lead them to Nightshade (Rebecca Atha), the wicked witch who grinds children’s bones to make gingerbread. Quick thinking Gretel tricks the witch into looking in the oven and locks her in, and so they can escape and return home.

Ruby and Georgia were brilliant in these parts and brought energy and enthusiasm to the roles. Having seen them both in the review show earlier in the year, it was great to see them in lead roles. They are both talented girls who I am sure will have bright futures ahead of them.

Their warring parents showed contrasting emotions throughout with Victoria as the frosty and cold-hearted stepmother who had a sullen, harsh expression every time she came onstage, and Steve, as the downtrodden, emotionally conflicted husband and father.

In every pantomime there are goodies and baddies, and this one is no different. Jennifer Waring was simply magical as good fairy, Bluebell, who spoke in rhyme and was out to thwart the evil Nightshade. I was shocked to read that she was just 13years old as she carried the role with ease and confidence.

As the evil pairing, Victoria and Rebecca revelled in the audience booing and jeering them. They both have excellent singing voices and I really enjoyed their evil duet. If I am being honest though, I would have liked Rebecca to have been even nastier to create more of a contrast to Bluebell and Hildegard.

Every pantomime needs humour – and it wouldn’t be pantomime without a dame. In this one it was Peggy, aka Paul Wilkinson. Paul is no stranger to playing the Dame and showed how to work an audience, singling men out for Peggy’s special attention!!! He gave a larger than life portrayal with a great catch phrase to engage the audience whenever his knocker was banged. I understand this will be the last time he plays a Dame before hanging up his bra and I’m sure he will be a hard act to follow. There was a good amount of banter between this character and of her children, Heather (Emma Louise Gill) and Wally (Chris Littler-Moore). Chris was engaging as the silly character, Wally, and even dressed in the identifiable Where’s Wally clothing. He showed his ability to deliver comic timing, especially in the slap stick kitchen baking scene, and always had a smile on his face really lifting the audience and inviting them to play along with the jokes. This part was well played, and was a hoot to boot! Emma joined in the fun but also provided the traditional Principal Girl love interest role for Jodie Slater’s Prince Johan.

Meanwhile, the comic twosome, Nut-Meg (Debbie Kenworthy) and Basil (Grace Mutch) added to the turmoil when they try to sell all sorts of foolish food and fake fare foraged from the forest!

This is a large company so it would be impossible to mention everyone by name, however, the production team did well to fit them all on stage and give everyone a chance to play a supporting role or have a line or two. The commitment to developing talent is obvious and only adds to the community theatre feel that was evident. Congratulations to Chris Oxley (Director), Jess Fahey (Choreographer) and Rosalie Newton – Van Den Berg (Musical Director) for producing such an enjoyable show.

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