Peter Panto

By arrangement with Lazy Bee Scripts, Peter Pan in Panto style, a noisy full house was quickly transported with ‘Pure Imagination’ to the wonders of Neverland.

A colourful impressive actual Hook and Pan on the front cover of a very full A5 interesting programme was most attractive.

Annie Hatcher, in dual role as Stage Manager and Set Designer created with her team a magical open set. The nursery with double windows centre, set rocking chair, toys and a baby trampoline that lifted the Darling children into flight. Adventures followed encountering underwater swirling mermaids, a delightful jellyfish, a ticking crocodile, a motley crew of pirates on board the Jolly Roger, headed by a comical Smee, assistant to a very fine Captain Hook – an Indian encampment and, set downstage, a large wigwam great for exits and entrances to the Lost Boys secret underground home, all enhanced with an interesting lighting plan, forest effects, noises off and dry ice. Doubling up on the technical side and make-up, Penny Tobin devised sound effects with John Wright working the board this time.  Penny’s expertise in make-up added to the characters appearance. Unseen, Elly Hills certainly’ brightened’ up the stage, using some great colours and patterns. ‘Shine a Light’ was most inventive.

A great pirate clad four piece band with the three Roberts and Jez Druce got us all clapping along to good lively numbers and choreographer Laura Larkin keeping the cast on their toes, with modern dance interpretations that the youngsters enthusiastically performed. 

Alison Withey-Harrison once again directed a CODS production – a very versatile lady from playing the Cinderella Fairy Godmother to a more serious role as Agnes in Dancing in Lughnasa and living with dastardly Captain Hook – Robin Harrison, plus young Raife performing a twin and a pirate – a real family affair. Audience participation was particularly good. Hoovering Mrs Hook the Cook, played by Wardrobe Mistress Sharon Pickles was not only playing a comical, well timed ‘Dame’ she got the best out of the little ones with the laughter competition. The slapstick item was well executed, with bird lover Smee taken on by Charlotte Fillmore, having a great time with custard pies. Colourful, fun and original costumes were created by Sharon together with Rita Wilkins. Both Hook and Pan, as was Head Mermaid Marina played by Phoebe Harris in her sparkles – perfect. The Darling children were a delight with Alfie Hayes as older bespectacled brother John and Lucas Grimes as Michael kept in charge by confident Lucy Butterworth as the ‘girl’ Wendy. Sarah Hutchings played an agile Nana the Dog. Ellie Pattenden, took on the Fairy with attitude Tinker Bell role convincingly, who came good in the end by saving Peter, Jo Reader playing our hero of the plot, with real energy and command. The company support in the many other roles was commendable and together with assistance from your helpers both front and back stage what a most enjoyable finale to the CODS 2017 season.

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