Pinocchio

I gather the group has been in existence for some time although not a member of NODA, so welcome into the family.

Written and directed by Kayleigh Poacher, and then popping up in the cast in a major role, how fortunate the group is to have such talent. The story well portrayed and offering a chance of character roles to this fairly small company, and all exploited their talents for a successful production.

In the title role, what a delightful Pinocchio from Willow Wiseman, certainly gave us such a good puppet interpretation, nice personality and looked good on stage.

And as the ‘Buttons-style’ character, Jimmy Kerickett, Joshua Lincoln was dynamic and full of energy and supportive kindness, voice and movement all adding to the part. And opposite him with very nice vocals style, Sophie Garrod as Chloe Figara really filled in the principal girl role for the happy ending.

To the Spaghetto Family: mother Dame Hetty played by Tony Dosdale in true traditional dame style, very outgoing and leading her family. Amy Good playing Mr Spaghetto (in a reversal casting!) and the maker of the puppet, how he loved it and helped through the trials. The sister who did not want to be, jealous and very anti-puppet, Vicky Aukett certainly had the personality and vocal power playing Betty, but she softened finally.

And of course true to any pantomime, Fairy Blue from Simone Holden looked and sounded good as she waved her wand.

On the opposite side, Mama Bomstroli from Kayleigh Poacher a very strong portrayal of all that is evil and devious with her circus, having written the pantomime one assumes that she could not think of not being in it in this role as it was a gift to be OTT and how it worked.

Add in the younger element as they work their way up to larger roles, certainly Honeycomb, Butterscotch, Gideo and Hojo worked hard and projected well and moved with the action. The other members of the company added considerably to the impact of the production which was very full of life and energy.

One should not forget the very hard-working Technical who master-minded all the tracks for the singing and all those many sound effects, and presumably all the lighting cues too as he was alone at back of hall. Set, costumes, and makeup all highly suitable and acceptable.

This pantomime very much a team effort from friends and this was the ‘happy-feel’ atmosphere on stage and in the audience, all having fun for the season.

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