Pinocchio The Pantomime

Pinocchio is not everyone’s first thought as a potential subject for a pantomime but, given the insatiable talent and relentless enthusiasm of Joe Logan – Smile Musical Youth Theatre’s perpetual dynamo not forgetting being the Director, Choreographer and writer, any slight misgivings were immediately dispelled.

The confidence and exuberance of this company abound at every turn – from the moment of the offbeat opening to the final bow, everyone was giving their all and it showed!  Joe manages to take all of the best panto traditions and gives them, via the well thought out characterisations and scenarios, and to poke fun at them with an endearing respect. Kyra Jepson’s nonchalant ‘Blue Fairy’, although Pinocchio’s guide and protector and all round goodie-goodie, managed to have the audience in stitches with her laid back approach to her responsibilities. Equally, Keisha Riley, exasperated, manic and totally likeable portrayal of Pinocchio’s conscience, ‘Jiminy Cricket’, was a huge hit with the younger members of the audience.

The story takes place in the town of Portofino (Great rendition by Ruby Blount of ‘Going Loco Down in Portofino’ – see what they id there?) and we meet our cast of characters – ‘Geppetto’, played assuredly by Charlie Bland, who oozed dependability, reliability and talent, the Toymaker, wishes that his puppet, ‘Pinocchio’, was the real boy that he and his late wife never had. As in the best Pantos, his wish is granted by the ‘Blue Fairy’. In order to become a real boy, he has to prove his reliability as several obstacles are put in his way. His school friend, ‘Lampwick’, played with a cocky twinkle in his eye and an exhausting donkey impression in his repertoire by Samuel Broomhall Tighe, befriends ‘Pinocchio’ but isn’t necessarily the greatest influence, driving him inevitably into the path of ‘Stromboli’, commandingly performed by Dylan O’Connor – and what a voice! Stromboli is accompanied by his henchmen, ‘Foxy’ and ‘Catty’, played by Lola Harper and Eva-Grace Mahay, suitably manipulative and evil – a great double act with great voices – Lola’s electric version of FAME was a joy.

Part of the panto rules are that the audience have to take sides with certain characters – this was played out to great effect by Josh Mills’ ‘Coldstone’, disliked with a passion by the audience and played to the utmost by extracting every ounce of hate for his character. In contrast, Lauren Slater’s ‘Maria’, Geppetto’s daughter, earned the thoroughly well-deserved love and affection with her sympathetic and talented portrayal. Great kudos must also go the Taylor Simner’s ‘Mama Salama’ – the ubiquitous Panto Dame played with the confidence and fervour demanded of such an iconic role. He achieved this in spades and what is more incredible is that he stepped into the role with just two weeks to go to the performance – a true trooper! Pinocchio The Pantomime would be nothing without ‘Pinocchio’ and Charlie McRobert filled those strings with sheer brilliance. A charming yet thoughtful and insightful interpretation of a complicated yet endearing character dealing with the challenges of growing up, not only that, but a voice to match – the duet of “Lay Me Down” complementing Geppetto’s equally enviable talent was sublime.

The support and unbridled enthusiasm for the show was highly evident ( we were even treated to a cameo performance of Joe Logan’s strop about the lack of the 30 foot whale that he was promised!) There was not a weak link in this vibrant company, Ella Daire’s musical direction bought out the best in everyone with some lively and superbly interpreted numbers added to Joe’s expert choreography – ‘Money, Money, Money’ and the tap dance was brilliant as was the Blue Fairy and Jiminy Cricket’s “When You Believe”. The slick and well-choreographed set changes under the guidance of Stage Manager and Production Assistant, Sarah Jennings and her crew added to the performance alongside the great Lighting and Sound Effects and Richard Logan’s set.

My most grateful thanks to everyone at Smile Musical Youth Theatre for their gracious welcome and hospitality, looking forward already to “The Lightning Thief” in July. 

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