Old King Cole

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question. The
reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment
will be effected by that knowledge.
The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular
the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as
the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other
performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to
greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving
future productions.

The audience was treated to an amusing Front of House announcement and the three-piece band, from their position to the right of the stage, gave a snippet of the music to come, providing a warm ambience to the start of the show for OCTs 40th Anniversary Production.

To give a quick recap this skilfully written and directed pantomime was based on the well-known nursery rhyme about the “Merry Old Soul” and his Band of musicians, with a “Pipe” and a “Drum” and “Fiddlers Three.

The King was very much looking forward to his forthcoming birthday party where the musicians were central to the celebrations, when the scheming Lord Chancellor, steps in and attempts to spoil it for his own nefarious ends.

By lies and manipulation he manages to disperse the band, leaving the villagers to gather together and engineer their return – which of course they managed to do successfully!

The curtains opened to a colourful and lively number, with a striking backdrop, and the whole cast on stage all full of vitality and enthusiasm.

The principals were introduced as the storyline progressed, they were well cast and well played and excellently supported by a mixed chorus of adults and youngsters.

Old King Cole was just right and was confidently partnered by his housekeeper Dame Sally sporting a great pair of pink sparkly boots!

All the members of the Band, the Fiddlers, the Piper & Drummer, made a delightful team. Although dressed in matching outfits their individual personalities very much came to the fore. The Piper & Drummer made the romantic couple of the piece and had a lovely duet.

With the King bereft and his birthday party spoilt due to the disappearance of the band the villagers gathered to make amends, and the opening to Act II was simply a cacophony of noise, using a variety of implements, a frying-pan, washboard etc. as replacement instruments.

The conniving Chancellor Marcus Lucca was brilliant, the expressions and body language from this performer were captivating and drew the audience very much into his machinations!

A clever touch was his pet cat who grew larger as the action went on, changing from a hand puppet to a full size “moggie.”

The grown-up Sirius was about to give a rendition of the well-known Memories, from Cats, but was completely  “upstaged” as Marcus grabbed the microphone and sang the song himself! However, the young performer playing the cat certainly got her revenge with an excellent dance solo.

Snatch the Bailiff was also well portrayed showing his dilemma between his allegiance to the King while giving the Chancellor the impression he was on his side.

There were effective cameos from Mayor John and his son Freddy, and Freddy’s love interest Ruby Roo, the Dames’s daughter, who had great stage presence, Harold the Herald, and Bobby the village constable.

The production came across as very much an ensemble piece, performed with energy and commitment, with everyone working together as a team.

All the youngsters  were terrific and given plenty to do.

All the expected elements of panto were there but with some added extras!

The ”tree” scene front of tabs with the line “money doesn’t grow on trees” as the branches turned to prove that actually it did was brilliant! The sound of the bird song also added to the “outdoor” feel of the scene.

The “Job Song” was well performed by the Dame, Rufus the dog and the three young Fiddlers and was very well received.

Both the ever-popular Ghost scene, with a great costume and spooky hands and the audience participation, Old King Cole, complete with actions, went down a storm.

The costumes were well chosen and just right for the characters, some very sumptuous and others typical for village folk.

The scenery was well designed and constructed with  practical safes USR and USL perfect for the Chancellor’s devious plans!

Lighting and sound complemented the action and the band played delightfully throughout, joining in with the banter.

There were some good songs  along the way, with Money Money and Together standing out, and Celebration Time made for an excellent finale.

Just to finish how could we possibly forget Rufus the dog, an amazing portrayal by this performer, who caught the eye completely from the outset. Her howls, movements and expressions really did almost steal the show especially when she “watered” the tree!

This was certainly a refreshing script with a difference and together with great teamwork from all the cast and crew made for a really super evening - well done!

These comments solely reflect the view of the representative and can only relate to
the performance seen.

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