ONCE UPON A TIME

It was good to see a different Christmas entertainment – which encompassed many of the familiar pantomime characters and used them in a different way to create a new story.

Unfortunately the Director was unable to complete the rehearsal period, but he had an able co-Director, who carried on his work, and hopefully between them realised his vision of the final version of the show – always difficult to take over from someone, but I felt the production was very good, and the audience had a great evening. 

Redbourn Players have upped their standard since Covid, and this is born out by the fact that they played to full houses and had to put on an additional night to accommodate their audience, which is great to hear.

I enjoyed the pace of the production, which was helped by not using conventional scenery, and relying on projection, which kept the momentum going throughout, with good sound and lighting too.

Costumes were exceptional – they were fresh and veered slightly from the norm, so everyone looked well turned out, very well-achieved.

I liked the music chosen, it was good to have live accompaniment, with musical numbers kept short and snappy, but well-performed.

It was good to see some new cast members alongside more established players, and a very energetic junior ensemble, headed up by Sam Couch as the Pantoland Guide – I was very impressed with this young man, he held the audience’s attention from the outset, and managed the scene change signs extremely well, with good stage presence - someone to watch!

The Baddies were headed up by a nicely evil Evelyn, a new type of role for Becky Vernon-Clinch, which she accomplished well.  Her fellow Baddies were played by Andy Turner (Captain Hook), Danielle Inglis (Wicked Queen), Hollie Orchard (Gwenda), Benita Gilliam (Mad Hatter), Hilary Violentano (March Hare) and David Howell (Big Bad Wolf), who all contributed to the darker side of the proceedings.

The Goodies included Andrea Clare (Cinderella) and Maureen Wallis (Snow White), very definitely not the mild young ladies from the original pantos, but feisty, full-on domineering ladies, intriguing to see these characters as adults, each with their Prince Charming (David Howell and Clive Crowther), who were downtrodden – very good pairings.

Mark Coltman and Rob Kirk played Nick and Nack, the comedy duo, who kept their narrative going and created many very funny moments – an excellent relatable pair.

Jonathan Goodson (Gertie) was the Dame, I enjoyed his performance, whilst Rebecca Walshe created a fun and believable Jack.  Alice Regan (Princess Lottie) and Lucy Goodchild (Prince Marvellous) created a good traditional couple as Cinderella and Snow White’s offspring, they interacted well.  With Hollie Orchard (Alice) and Danielle Inglis (Red Riding Hood) adding much to the proceedings.

The Junior Ensemble – Alice Fox, Lucas Kirk, Cecily Vernon-Clinch, Sam Couch and Imogen Stockdale all performed well, with energy and enthusiasm.

I particularly appreciated the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, and thoroughly enjoyed the confidence and enthusiasm of the whole cast.

A fun offering, with good performances, plenty of audience participation and an appreciative audience.  Thanks to Redbourn Players for their hospitality.

Nova Horley

NODA Representative - NODA East District 3

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