Merlin-The Panto
Information
- Date
- 19th February 2020
- Society
- Bocking Theatre Club
- Venue
- Bocking Village Hall
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Margaret Surrey
- Musical Director
- Alex Lawrence
- Choreographer
- Amy Edwards
This was my first visit to Bocking Village Hall. What a delightful venue. A big thank you to the Front of House team for a very warm welcome. It was also lovely to have the opportunity to talk to the Director after the show.
Dame Gertie, beautifully costumed and made up, gave a lively introduction to the action. John Ellson looked magnificent in every change of outfit as he pranced, flirted, winked and nudged in true dame fashion. This was a very strong performance. I was so impressed with the heels!!
The opening scene in Camelot Town quickly demonstrated that this was a proper village pantomime with a cast of all ages. We were introduced to the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Dancelot, played by Graham Everard, certainly lived up to his name as he danced and capered his way through every scene. A very lively performance. Jean Baker as Sir Real gave us a suitably laid back character and Jan Peaston's Sir Loin was a busy contrast. All three showed their different characters throughout.
John Hughes as Merlin showed all the appropriate wisdom and tetchiness of an old wizard. Tamar Cumberbatch 's King Arthur beautifully demonstrated the power and strength of a king. Her dialogue was superb. Autumn Jenner was a very convincing damsel in distress. I particularly enjoyed the performance of Isaac Jordan-Burrows as Chester. His on stage presence and delivery were excellent.
And now to the baddies! Gareth Jordan-Burrows portrayal of Mordred was truly amazing. I have rarely seen a more evilly played character. His very powerful voice and physical presence was terrifying. This was a performance which could not be ignored. His two sidekicks Port and Cullis, played by Steph Felton and George Drew were a perfect foil for him. I loved their total irreverence and the rapport between the two. This was well enhanced by their costume and drawn on beards.
Every person on the stage shone in different ways. Pru Page was a very bossy Lady Bossalot and who could not be charmed by Emily and Sophie Jaynes and Lucy Ellis as the lovely Bunnies.
The Jousting Field scene brought a lively and happy conclusion to the show and was such fun. Great costumes for the joust. The final defeat of Mordred deserved the rousing cheer from the audience.
The scenery was very good throughout but I was particularly impressed by the Dragon's Cave which combined both artwork and lighting very effectively. Well done to Terry Surrey, the scene painters and the lighting team. Everyone off stage contributed to this successful production. The music and lighting complemented the action at all times. Jean Baker's costumes accurately reflected the period.
The Director Margaret Surrey and the whole team are to be congratulated for a lively and very enjoyable show. Using a range of different entrances certainly kept the audience on their toes and added vitality to the action. It was great to see the varying ages of the performers working so well together. This was a super pantomime and one I shall remember.
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