Red Riding Hood

Spotlight Theatre’s annual panto of Red Riding Hood utilised an original script by Jess Martin who also directed the show, helped with the choreography and designed the set, as well as assisting with the programme.  A busy lady well rewarded with a good performance and a happy audience.

The cast was a combination of the society’s adult members with a number of their Junior Stars and this worked very well throughout.

All good pantos need a strong leading lady and, for me, Arabella Carvill-Belt really stood out as Red Riding Hood.  I’ve watched her grow in confidence and mature as a young performer over four or five years and this was her best performance in that time.  She sang well, moved nicely, delivered her lines clearly and always gave us a lovely smile - her younger sister, Isadora, does that as well!

Mike Hammond was excellent once again as Dame Robyn Hood and worked especially well with the younger members of the cast.  Here, Phoebe Sims gave a very confident debut performance as Jill and she was accompanied by Emelia Hughes as an energetic and excited Jack.  Together I don’t think they missed a thing.

Simon Kendall played Big Bad Wolf strongly, maintaining his character to the end, Ryan Wilson was a likeable Billy and I also really enjoyed David Watson’s portrayal of Granny and, together with Roger Fozzard (Woodcutter) and Jayne Rowlands (The Good Fairy) these adults formed a good team.

We had a super group of Children supported by some grown up Villagers and the whole show showed what a good group of performers the society has.

There was some funny comedy, some of it corny which is fine, costumes were colourful and the set was simple and effective.  Performed to backing tracks, which can be difficult timing wise, there were absolutely no problems and the choreography was fun.

All in all, a good way to finish the year.

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