Little Red Riding Hood

In the opening notes, Director Vicky Aukett mentioned the amount of teamwork that goes into a community theatre show, and everyone involved should be very proud of this production. I love meeting up with the cast and creatives afterwards to hear their stories, and there was the leading lady, Little Red Riding Hood (Kim Townsend), chatting away as she swept up the confetti that had been fired in the auditorium as the show came to its finale. Hats off to Vicky Aukett for not only Directing the show, but also assisting with choreography and box office, as well as playing Fairylea in the show.

Opening with a version of Knock on Wood, to the words Red Red Riding hood, Fairypea (Kayleigh Poacher), with her powerful voice, alongside Fairlylea, led the company into a very colourful and energetic panto. Costumes were of a high standard, particularly that of The Wolf (Martin Talbot), who had detailed facial make up, taking some 30 minutes to apply before each performance. The set was simple, and lighting was good. There was also some very nice choreography, and the cast had been well drilled as a team.

I really enjoyed watching the evil Wolfettes, Greta (Beata Thomas), Feta (Jen Fishlock), and Forgetta (Sophie Garrod), great reactions and characterisations as they hunted Red Riding Hood, As the Wolf, Martin Talbot was excellent, skulking around in the shadows and every inch the baddie. I really enjoyed the bouts of frustration with the sound crew, echoing “Forest, Forest, Forest”. Also, a very good performance of Thriller/Heads will Roll, in conjunction with the Wolfettes and the fairies.

I loved the characterisations of the Little Pigs, protective of Red Riding Hood against the Wolf, well done to Tracey Fairweather (Iggly), Kathy Ford, Piggly), Sandra Miller (Wiggly), Jessica Sculfor (Keith!), and, in particular, Jessica Andrews (Jiggly), who lit up the stage with her energy and smile every time.

It’s always great to see young performers in a panto, often the first steps taken on a stage and such a character and confidence builder at a young age. For this one we had four young performers as the Teddy Bears, who also joined the ensemble. With the clever and catchy Teddy Bears names of Buildabear (Deanna Large), Ted Sheeran (Seb Donaghue), Cadbeary (Jasmine Swan), and Bearpods (Maisie Beer), they were very busy throughout and excellent.

There were also some nice performances from Lynne Wood (As Mother Hood), Martin Godrey (as Granny Hood), and Georgina Sexton (As Silly Millie).

As the love interest of Little Riding Hood, Prince Hanson, Poppy Bradford was very well cast and delivered a lovely rendition of “Stargazing.” This was followed up by Kim as Little Red Riding Hood singing a beautiful version of “Sky full of Stars.” Poppy and Kim’s vocals were very good, a real highlight in Act Two, but this was a very enjoyable team effort from everyone.   

 

 

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