Pantostein

Pantostein – A schuddle-lidaping scarily silly story performed by a scarily talented schuddle-lidaping group. This ghoulish tale takes us to a place called Cemeteria (hope that’s right), which is in the heart, no sorry, the liver of Transylvania. Here we meet Dracula (Josh Francis), trying to scare us with his world domination comments but all the time being scared of his wife (Beth Marsh). This pairing worked really well, their dialogue was crisp and as Josh compared to Beth is slightly vertically challenged her domination over him was there for all to see.

If you ever need two psychic researchers/investigators and would like to spend most of the time laughing then you should employ, Boris Van Rental (Jack Morter) and Berta Tidfyl (Maris McCann). Boris in his pink sequined lederhosen and Berta with her strong Germanic actions and accent, obviously make a perfect couple. When you give these parts to two experienced members of the company and a script that is helping them, this a recipe for some seriously funny scenes. As one of the entrants in “The Mad Scientist” competition being held in the town, who should come along but Dr Frank N. Stein (Lilian Carver), nicely overplayed and with a good singing voice. With him came his assistant, Igor (Hamilton Brown), why are the Igor parts in horror stories always such good characters, who managed to wring every laugh he could out of this part and complete with requisite hump entertained us well. In the village is the local inn, owned by Dame Bloodengutz (Chris Morter) and her daughter Ophelia Bloodengutz (Isla Butcher). Chris, as ever, the traditional Panto Dame and looking suitably Wagnerian with her large wig had us in stitches (not literally). Whether singing or dancing or with the use of comic timing his delivery is always a delight. Ophelia, looking every bit the “Wednesday Addams” and with her deadpan face. This was another good example of characterisation and when you couple this to her vocal ability the character was complete. With all OBP productions, if an animal is required then Jennie Reavey is the go-to person and as the werewolf she did not let us down. There can only be one thing missing from this line-up and that is the Monster, beautifully played by Laurence Barnett, his classical acting training shining through, word perfect and no make up required.(Sorry Laurence). This panto has been scripted for an ensemble of two and with the right two (Joan Hocking and Andy Leach) it proves how the importance of everybody in the cast can make a difference. They were involved in just about everything and did a stellar job.

The Production team of Tom Key (Director and Musical Director) and Choreographer (Emma Rogers) can only have been delighted with this pacy, funny and characterful show. All of this took place in front of some beautifully painted sets and some very imaginative costumes. A really enjoyable evenings entertainment.    

 

 

 

 

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