Humpty Dumpty

Although Humpty Dumpty, by Stephen Duckham, is not a well-known panto, nor one I have seen before it included all the fun and music expected from popular local theatre. The action takes place some 20 years after a spell was cast when the evil sorceress Salmonella comes to Eggshellia to revenge her brother who was banished and to take over the kingdom. Salmonella was played with malevolence by Theresa Marsden eliciting boos and hisses from the audience. Needless to say, she got her comeuppance when her assistant Snivel played by Linda Raymond sneezed and blew her magic powder all over her making her disappear and thus becoming the hero of the hour. Humpty Dumpty, played by the young outstanding Paige Harris, quickly established a rapport with the audience with her catch phrase and made a good comedy pairing with Keith Goody’s sharp tongued dame Mother Hubbard. Her attempts to win over Andrew Raymond’s bumbling King Cole with her beautilicious pastries and buns went down well with the audience. Rosemarie Nelson gave a strong performance as Myrtle who, with her crystal ball and predictions of doom to come, tried to warn the townspeople about Salmonella. Ruby Seager was delightful as Princess Melanie and her budding romance with Tommy Tucker, Mother Hubbard’s Assistant (played by Ruby Stevens) finally got the King’s approval when Tommy showed his bravery in rescuing her from the swamp’s custodian Boggart (played by Lisa Seager). Strong support was given by Linda Cearns as maidservant Polly Flinders and by Martin Herford and Barbara Harrold as the King’s men Lock and Bolt respectively. Music used in the show ranged from I’m coming out and This time it’s for real to Ghostbusters. The chorus (who also opened the show as the museum curator and visitors) supported the main cast well and the choreography was simple but complimented the songs perfectly.   

The scenery was well designed and printed. The sets were designed and constructed providing the cast with the perfect platform to work from and set changes were seamless. The tech team provided spot-on sound and great lighting. The make-up and costumes were wonderful with some cast members, particularly the Dame, making several costumes changes. Well done all, great work!  

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