Hansel and Gretel

Unfortunately, I was not the NODA representative for District 5 in 2023, when the Soan Sisters (Frankie and Maddie), wrote and directed their production of “Puss in Boots”.  However, it was a pleasure to see 2025’s panto, and Frankie and Maddie exhibit the large volume of young performers and creative members, who are nurtured, developed and encouraged from a very young age to make this such a thriving, energetic and imaginative theatre group. Chair Jo Cooper, who has been part of Thetford Players from the start, steps down this year, and under her stewardship the group is where it is today largely because of her passion and pride in everything it represents.

As I glanced around the hall before the performance began, I watched and listened to the band warming up, with MD Maddie Stebbings on bass, and noticed young drummer Edward Harris. I would not like to say the average age of the band, but let’s just say that my opening paragraph statement regarding nurturing young talent early on was perfectly displayed as an example with the band. They sounded great and drove the show throughout with some very well-chosen musical numbers.

As the show opened, we had the use of painted cloths against some particularly good props and lighting. The Gingerbread House (made by Andy Smith) was simply stunning. Costumes were also excellent and imaginative throughout, 42 handmade costumes by Carol Smith, amazing work.

Choreography under Charley Holt was again of a high standard and energetic level.

Opening the show brightly was Fairy Candy Cane, Summer-Brooke Harvey was excellent, smiling throughout with an amazing red and white candy-striped costume. I also loved the moment that she was joined by the youngest members of the cast similarly resplendent in keeping the theme of candy-striped costume and all things sweet shop. The company number of The Archies’ “Sugar Sugar” took me back to my childhood and was a lovely highlight.

Hansel (Reece Fuller), and Gretel (Ebony Bailey), I had seen in last year’s panto and the Sponge Bob Musical, and their stage presence has grown stronger each time I have seen them. They led the story with confidence and very good interaction with the rest of the cast.

Onto the baddies of the story: This time it was The Evil Witch (Emma Kelly), who seems to find eating children a delicacy. I really enjoyed Emma’s delivery of Blondie’s “One Way or Another, as she entered the audience enticing children with sweets-thankfully not too scarily! Along with her sidekicks, Gingey (Zoran Hanitzsch), and Whingey (Anna Kedge), they made a formidable trio to be booed at.

The part of Jack Lumber, Hansel and Gretel’s Father, was taken on at a very late stage by Adam Bond, and this was a wonderfully funny over the top whacky Germanic characterisation, perfect against the evil Stepmother (Linzi Holding), who wanted to lose the children in the woods. James Trayton, as Colin, the son of Dame Victoria Sponge was a warm and well delivered role.

George Cooke was back as Dame Victoria Sponge and delivered yet another outstanding performance. George never switches off and has the ability to make every single line, facial expression or body movement get a laugh. Absolutely brilliant and as good as any professional.

Supported by a large supporting cast, including the comic trio of Soggy (Stuart Wright), Bottom (Nat Holding), and Crusty (Phil Pearson), and many young performers, this was a brilliant panto. My congratulations to Frankie and Maddie, Frankie somehow finding the time to be on stage as a dancer and Police Officer when a member of the cast was taken ill! Thank you to all at Thetford Players for another lovely evening.

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