Little Red Riding Hood

 

‘The show must go on’ is a well-known saying and principle in the theatre meaning that regardless of what happens, whatever show has been planned still has to be staged for the waiting patrons. These days you could be forgiven for qualifying this ‘subject to all reasonable circumstances.’ However, I have absolutely no doubt that KTG went above and beyond in their efforts to remain open despite the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

After opening-night a significant number of the cast including principals tested positive together with the Director, Assistant Director and Musical Director, and as a consequence, stand ins and role changes were arranged at less than 24 hours-notice and 5 more sold out performances took place. Unfortunately, this could not be sustained and 4 performances were cancelled before it was possible for the final 4 performances to be staged. Any odd remaining tickets sold like ‘hot-cakes’.

 I was fortunate in obtaining one for a truly professional and polished show. In the original fairy tale story, Little Red Riding Hood is swallowed by the big bad wolf, but this version written by Paul Tate took on board some fresh ideas from the talented director Paula Dymock, whilst keeping the well-known characters. And so, we soon enjoyed the traditional exchange between ‘Fairy Sweetcorn’ and ‘Baskerville’ the big bad wolf. Britt Needham and Andrew Skelton fulfilled that tradition with style fully engaging with the audience. ‘Baskerville’ was well supported throughout with an expressive performance by his side kick ‘Ruff’ (Maria Stafford).

‘Baskerville’ believes that ‘Little Red’s’ granny has stolen his Pot of Gold many years ago, and seeking to recover it, is the central plot. ‘Granny’ is sympathetically and warmly played by Julie Merry. ‘Little Red’ was beautifully played by Lotte Heels and her brother ‘Silly Cecil’ played by Pete Coxhead provided some great laid-back humour. Mum ‘Maid Marion’ (Rob Brown) was excellent, engaged with the audience well and kept the dialogue moving at a great pace. I loved his number ‘Oh what a beauty’! Hubby ‘Robin Hood’ (Ray Needham) added to the fun.

Of course, we need a dashing Prince and in ‘Prince Caspian’, Charlie Green was perfectly cast. His Act 1 duet with ‘Little Red’ was beautiful and I particularly enjoyed his Act 2 number ‘That’s Life’. As ‘Little Red’ made her way to Granny’s house with cake and wine , she meets a pig pop group ‘Zoe’, Ziggy’ and ‘Zoinks’ played by Joanna Hughes, Laura Fullelove and Sarah Gilhooly respectively, who gave a slick and polished performance throughout the show. In the opening of Act 2 in The Land of Somewhere, we meet  ‘Stumpy’, a bubbly personality, played with great Irish humour by Gail Metcalfe.

 Throughout, the dancing chorus worked very well and in various scenes they were joined by 14 young talented dancers from the Harlequin Stage School. Their scene in Enchanted Sherwood with ‘Fairy Sweetcorn’ was magical and beautifully staged. Amongst the youngsters were three little sheep (Frankie, Maisie and Melissa at the final performance) who all spoke up and sang well.

The four-piece band provided great support to the cast without ever imposing; the overall sound and lighting was just right. The set was well handled by the stage crew and the cast were all very well dressed.

Another first class pantomime we have come to expect, with extra credit for the enormous team work involved in ensuring ‘the show must go on’.

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