Pirates of the Panto

 

At last, a pantomime new to most audiences. The title suggests swashbuckling and energetic dancing, plus the prospect of damsels abducted and rescued by gallant, handsome lovers. However, it was not to be…….. Here was panto with a difference, no, several differences. There were no speciality dancers (Boo); only one solo song (Hooray); no swashbuckling (Boo); no embarrassing audience participation, jumping up and down (Hooray) But, there was the traditional dame, played by an angelic faced Wayne Childs. He has a the knack of effortlessly bonding with an audience and his ad-libs and asides proved this obvious skill, although they may well have disconcerted those on stage!

The costumes were, as always, colourful and appropriate, the cast lively and hard-working. The wicked pirate chief - energetically played by a gruff-voiced Becky Giakoumelos - was particularly well attired. Becky, like Wayne, was a hit with the audience, despite her being the baddie. Indeed, she was very good, creating a role far removed from those she usually plays.

The featured cast numbered some twenty five, plus an additional chorus of more than twenty. Thanks to careful directing and a large stage, at no time did the set appear over-crowded. There was plenty of movement and singing from this predominantly very young chorus and it was a pleasure to note that these youngsters took their singing seriously, articulating well the words of the songs.

Because of the large number of participants it would be a mammoth task to single each of them out. So, here are a few highlights. Matthew Manning as the mini Don Revolta. He looked great in his gold outfit and gestured and capered in just the right Travolta style. The disco loving queen Chaka Khan, played by Dinah Bowman, complete with a dazzling blue wig and eye-catching blue and white ensemble. Denise Farrow, woefully under used as a spritely Gorilla, dressed in what appeared to be a life-like costume. Georgie McCarthy, the (non) swashbuckling hero, Zac Sparrow, who at times seemed just as evil as the wicked pirate chief.

If this line-up seems female dominated it is because most of the principals were female. Bob French as reluctant pirate and David Stradling as Squire Flinders were the only two males with notable parts (no pun intended), although there were two or three other men, lost amongst this plethora of ladies.

A truly family pantomime with nothing saucy to embarrass an audience of adults or bore any children with countless songs and over-played love sequences. Judging by the rapturous applause which greeted the final curtain, it was obviously a huge success. And that, is what pantos are all about.

Director Debbie Harrison. Choregraphers Debbie Harrison and Pat Suttman. Musical Director Sue Raybould with her excellent three piece band .

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