Once Upon A Time In Pantoland

I have seen a lot of pantomimes in my time, and this show was an interesting mix of all the best traditional elements, and a new storyline using a script by Alex Jackson, which worked very well.

 

The opening scenery consisted of some brick wall flats which created entrance and exits on both sides, and a fountain which twinkled very prettily, though this is very much under plays just how creative and beautifully painted these items where, as was all the scenery. I looked forward to seeing the large back panels unfold in each full-stage scene to display the market square, the fairy academy classroom, and my personal favourite the villain’s castle. The group is very fortunate to have Kevin Flower as scenery artist.

 

The first character on was the Spirit of Pantomime played by Paul Galbraith, with a friendly manner which immediately engaged with the audience, as he explained that all is well in Pantoland when the fountain continues to flow, though King Charming still mourns the death of his beloved Cinderella, and their grown up son Prince Harry is secretly courting a commoner. Next we saw Emily Tofts as Tommy Tickle, the energetic comedy role, Emily brought the fun whenever on stage with confidence and perfect timing, particularly in the sketch with TV show references, and the ‘Make Them Laugh’ routine with the dame which was choregraphed by Nicki Tofts. I’m pleased that her lovely singing voice was also put to good use in Act 2, with the song ‘When You Believe’.

 

Tiffany Tickle the dame had the perfect mix of likeability and panto humour, well done to James Oakley in the role. There weren’t multiple costume changes which some groups do, with a new frock and wig for each scene, but that didn’t matter, and I rather like how a bearded dame looks! Alison Murray completed the family as Tilly Tickle, generally overlooked she ultimately saves the day, and gets her Prince. Their costumes were pink and yellow themed, which worked very well to show the link between them, as did the regal red for the royal characters. John Dorset did a grand job of delivered very different speaking voices and personalities as the easily distracted King Charming and no-nonsense postman, the parcel sketch with Tiffany and Tommy was a highlight of Act 1. Prince Harry was played as a traditional principal boy by Sarah Legg, with clarity and projection when speaking, and there was a genuine warmth between Harry and Tilly.

 

There were two animal roles in this pantomime, Baxter the Police dog played by Tori Mullenger, and Snitch the cat by Jazmin Spooner. Both young people were a pleasure to watch, always in character, with incredibly expressive faces, and woofs and miaows when needed. I particularly liked how Baxter interacted with PC Pete, and that Snitch copied Mouldywart’s movements across the stage, her hand gestures, and worked with the audience, it demonstrated that the director saw these parts as more than someone in a furry suit and ears. This pantomime had a full-on baddie with Janet Evans as Mouldywart, which the audience delighted in boo-ing and hiss-ing. Wonderfully costumed in green and black, with custom jewelled boots and weed-laden hair, Mouldywart was a bundle of animated energy, changing from angry to mocking to sly very quickly. Tina Spivey played the confident and dependable PC Pete Potter, I particularly liked the sketch with props used to illustrate the different police departments e.g. Special Branch, and SWAT.

 

Supporting roles included Leanne Mullenger as the Fairy Grandmother (elderly Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother, now teaching the next generation of fairies), Nicki Tofts as Debbie the school administrator, and Grace Tofts as the Magic Mirror, all important to the story, as were the young people of the ensemble, who played villagers, fairy students, ghosts, and various panto characters e.g. Snow White, Hansel and Gretel. They featured in most scenes, with lines to say, songs to sing, and some lovely dancing to open the show with a 1920s style routine choreographed by Emily Tofts, and an energetic finish with the song ‘Dreamers from the 2022 World Cup. Music direction was mainly by Tina Spivey, with members of the cast also involved.

 

The cast did well to project the dialogue without microphones, having the audience close to the stage, though some of the singing along to the backing tracks was quiet, and lyrics were lost in places. There was a lovely range of sound effects used, lighting was good, and scene changes were well managed with some big props, though the cast often moved the front cloth when entering and exiting. It was an impressive first time directing by Leanne Mullender, who thanked her co-director Nicki Tofts within the programme.

 

Congratulations to the cast and crew, and thank you for a very entertaining evening.

 

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