Once Upon a Pantomime

Mawdesley Amateur Dramatic Society’s Pantomime this year was called “Once Upon a Pantomime”  an original story and script written by the very talented Emma Meen, but although this was a new story, the production was still a traditional pantomime which was full of funny moments and the usual pantomime high jinx

There was clearly a very strong Production Team which included Director Debbie Wells and Assistant Director Samantha Quinn, with Musical Director Judi Blakemore and Choreographer, Miss Aimee they must have worked hard and closely together to produce this entertaining, colourful show.

The story is set in pantomime land, the place where all pantomimes come from at Christmas. Pantomime land is taken care of by two comedic characters namely Mother Flora the dame played by Phil Quinn and Father Alfred played by Clive Hepplestone who both worked together well and gave entertaining, funny performances. However, when friends Alex Sarah and Peter very nicely played with confidence by George Gottig, Laura Tingle and Will Lloyd , decide to read from the magic book of Pantomime land, they get more than they bargained for as they not only accidentally summon some well-known pantomime characters, they unfortunately manage to summon Long John Silver played by Finlay Robertson who made a very good baddie, he was also rather likable and funny.  The other famous pantomime characters summoned from the book were very nicely played by four confident young performers. They included, Sleeping Beauty (Jolee Poole), Snow White (Mia Pilkington), Robin Hood (Rory Poole) and Aladdin (Olivia Smallshaw), However sadly Long John wants to end pantomimes forever by steeling the magic pantomime book and Peter who also does not like Pantomimes decides to help Long John in his endeavors so his friends Alex and Sarah set out to put things right and stop Long John while also saving Peter. They enlist the help of characters such as a good comedy duo Stan Dupp (Molly Rogers) and Ben Down (Debbie Wells) who stepped in to the role at the last minute due illness, they complemented each other very well and both had very good comic timing. Then we have the lovely Lily, The Fairy Godmother, excellently played by Emma Meen who also sang beautifully. Helping Long John in his dastardly deeds we had the Wicked Witch of the North West played by Bridgett Welch who managed to be both malevolent yet comedic resulting in a very good performance. Generally diction was good and the story could be followed easily and all the characters had a good rapport with the audience.

The Chorus appeared to be enjoying themselves although some of the younger members appeared a little distracted at times which was actually quite entertaining and the dance routines performed by Laura Tingle, Esme Beesley, Ashley Bennett and Phoebe Dell from The Ormskirk School of Dance were performed with grace and expertise. There was a good selection of musical numbers appropriate to the plot which were accompanied by Musical Director Judi Blakemore on Keyboard.

Scenery was just right for the story, well done to Stage Manager Olivia Lloyd and all back stage workers for all their hard work and their efficient scene changes meaning there was smooth transitions between scenes which kept the show running at the right pace. There was also very good sound and lighting and bright colourful costumes which added to the feel and authenticity of the show.

Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this family pantomime to the stage and for a funny entertaining show. The cast appeared to be really enjoying themselves as did the capacity audience in the hall. Thank you so very much for inviting us we had a lovely afternoon.

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