Pinocchio

Neuadd Dyfi slowly filled up, bringing with them an air of anticipation. All looking forward to lots of laughter, a cast ranging from 4 yrs old and “older”, brilliant costumes and all the traditional panto events.

It was all there, the audience and cast had a wonderful evening. We were entertained by a guitar and song by Lewis Sayes. Music throughout under the baton of Lisa Daley-Allan.

The story began with Fairy Liquid (Holly Morris) and the youngest group of children. A lovely way to introduce them, all with a chance to wave to the audience. The chorus were always in bright shining clothes, lots of changes.

The village scene following filled the stage as all of the cast were there. Ronnie (Louis Hiatt), the comedian, kept it up throughout the panto, raising laughter and sighs, depending on the joke. He also “sang” a song about bags from shops and patrons of Aberdyfi and the area. It raised lots of laughter.

A great toy competition was announced. Enter Dame Geppetto (Dafydd Gosney) the toy maker. What a chance for her to make a puppet, yes Pinocchio. How clever was the puppeteer (Leila Hiatt). She was excellent. Pinocchio even managed the “macharina” They were lucky to have their own Geppetto, Leila’s grandad, Dewi Bishop, who made the full-sized Pinocchio. Fairy Solid (Su Tacey) forbade anyone to use wood from the forest. The sister witches had helpers Fox (Jess Jeavons) and Cat (Elsi Davies). Clever lighting when the witches were on stage together, green for Fairy Liquid and red for Fairy Solid. Very effective. 

The Mayor (Nigel Cramb) was always interrupted when starting to make an announcement by Flummox (Jac Jones), who played an excellent supporting role, clear diction.

True to the story Pinocchio misbehaves in the schoolroom and runs away into more .adventures. There were lots of clever changing logs/magic wood, which of course was why Pinocchio eventually turned into a boy, played by Saskia Hiatt.

There were many puppet content songs, sung enthusiastically by the cast. The end of the 1st Act was signed and the younger cast     were able to take a bow, within the song. Before leaving they danced a very good fairy dance, enjoyed by all. The extra scene is always the raffle and I can see that Flummox is in training to help Ronnie!

Act 2 began with a very colourful circus scene, complete with Ringmaster
(Annette Pullan). We saw several circus acts from the chorus of adults and youngsters. Mark Jones loved playing the strongman with muscles to match. 

Fairy Solid was determined to steal Pinocchio, which she did, only to take him to the cliff and push him off. This was clever life-size shadow puppet scene. Pinocchio was chased by the whale, very effective. All the principals then went into the boat which they “paddled” across the sea. The song was led by Flummox. Of course, Ronnie was seasick over the side of the boat. The whale swallowed the boat, but of course they all survived.

Another very pretty ‘ballet’ dance and there was an underwater scene with fluorescent lighting. We met a huge octopus and sea monster.

Pinocchio is rescued and, no lies, equal becoming a real boy.

In fact the panto, as usual, has everything. Imagine, there were 70 performers on stage.

Congratulations to the technicians, some of whom doubled as policemen. Wardrobe must be commended also, how they manage I am not sure.

Choreography was varied and kept our interest continually. Not only is this panto a large part of the community, but it has, in some families, several generations taking part.

Take a bow everyone.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

 

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