Hercules, the Panto

Phoenix Players have developed something of a tradition of producing irreverent self-written pantomimes, and this year was no different as Callum McCormick’s Hercules, the Panto hit the Stratford stage.  In this entertaining take on the Greek myths, Zeus’s lightning bolt, the source of his godly power, has been stolen and taken to the underworld by his devious brother Hades.  Hercules – by this point a demigod, recognised as the son of Zeus – is sent off to retrieve it and save Mount Olympus from chaos.

The show opened front of curtain with a trio of Muses (Fiona Robson, Ali Ballinger and Elea Walker) who acted as a chorus throughout.  Resplendent in white gowns and golden head-dresses, these three did a great job of leading us through the tale as well as providing some arch commentary, alongside musical backing for some of the songs.

The curtains then opened to the scene of Mount Olympus – nicely staged with a plethora of columns, some amusing signs, and a throne complete with neon logo.  A grumpy Zeus (Andi Hardy) was busy dispatching their fellow gods around the world in search of the lightning bolt.  There was good joke that would resonate with anyone who has struggled with getting parcels delivered as Hermes (Sam Stuart) was instructed not to go to the wrong place again, and then immediately set off in the wrong direction!  When it came to the turn of Hercules (Callum McCormick), he was sent to – horror of horrors – Redditch!  Luckily for him, this was soon changed to Stratford-upon-Avon and our hero, along with his effervescent sidekick Ikarus (Cameron Vernon) were on their way.

Tracing their footsteps were Hades’ henchmen, the demonic Doom and Gloom (Dylan Beecher and Baz Stilinski).  This hapless pair provided great, boo-able value as they attempted to hamper Hercules’ progress (with varying levels of success.)  Hades himself, played by Nick Johnson with an impressive commitment to ’80s goth make up, had a better plan, though – to use captive Sandy (Katie Cherry) to get Hercules to drink a poison potion, in return for her freedom.  Also on the scene in Hades were a trio of Fates (Keira Marston, Sam Stuart and Diana Truchanova).  Clad all in shabby grey (in a neat counterpoint to the Muses) and with their faces hidden, they provided advice in rhyming couplets and had a nice line in dance moves as Hades sang to us of how he was ‘Bad to the Bone’.

Meanwhile, Hercules was busy getting himself muscled up, with the help of ‘Hero Trainer’ Max (David Dunn) and a fun training montage, to the strains of ‘Eye of the Tiger’.  He then proved his ability by vanquishing the Medusa (Lisa Maxwell), by the simple expedient of putting a sack over her head!  That singular feat didn’t wow everyone though, with Sandy explaining, ‘That Don’t Impress Me Much’.  We also met our panto dame, Sandy’s Aunt, Antigone (try saying it out loud) played in pleasingly hangdog style by Graham Robson.  He had plenty of good jokes and comic lines to get the audience laughing, and was also quick with an ad lib. 

The second half of the show began with a tuneful version of ‘Go West’ from the whole cast, including ensemble members Angharad James and Carlyne McHugh, and featuring choreography from Chloe McDonald.  Having knocked out Hercules via Sandy’s sneaky potion, Hades then turned up on Mount Olympus to take charge, entertainingly giving his fellow gods new jobs.  So Artemis, god of the hunt (Maddy Williams) became the god of Tiktok dance crazes; Hephaestus, god of the forge, became the god of Ikea furniture; and Ares, god of war (Nick Milton) became the God of passive aggressive behaviour (and also acquired the nickname Neil, which saw him falling to one knee on regular occasions.)  Even Zeus did not escape, becoming god of poorly timed sound effects!

But Hercules was not done yet, and after escaping Hades with the help of Ikarus, Max, Antigone, and a repentant Sandy, he headed for a final showdown with Hades.  In this he was helped by the other gods who, led by Hera (Chloe McDonald), put their new found dance moves to good use in befuddling Hades and allowing Hercules to retrieve the all-important Lightning Bolt.  It was all great fun, and this madcap show came to an appropriately daft conclusion as large boxes of Ambrosia (as in the custard!) were paraded around the stage.

The show was directed by Karen McDonald and Callum McCormick with a clear and effective focus on fun and entertainment.  The panto staples were not forgotten as the audience had plenty of chances to join in – oh, yes we did!  A word too for the costumes, which were universally good and so important for setting the scene effectively.  Well done to the wardrobe team of Jacqui Lindsay, Caroline Adams and Michelle Stead.  Sound and lighting were also well handled, in particular Zeus’s unfortunate sound effects – good work by Andy Jepson.

Congratulations to all at Phoenix Players for presenting another really entertaining pantomime.  Thanks also for the customary warm welcome.  I look forward to seeing you again soon for ’A Phoenix Night Rises.’

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