Red Riding Hood

This was a fascinating take on the traditional story of Red Riding Hood and we met some really interesting characters as we took our journey into the enchanted forest.

I was really taken with the delightful chicken chorus who were so chicken-like!  They looked like these lovable birds (thanks, I understand, to Debs Hammond who made all their costumes) and they also moved like chickens and I guess that this was down to the choreographical magic of Mo Munday.

Yana Mason gave us feisty Red Riding Hood with a lovely singing voice and we all enjoyed her journey which eventually led her to Granny’s cottage.  Granny Hood herself was played with aplomb by Douglas Dalziel giving his excellent Dame characterisation.

The comedy couple were Diane Hanson as Walter and Mcauley Parker as The Doctor and great fun ensued whenever they were on stage. Tom the Woodsman, a rather shy Principal Boy was played by Alicia Jay using her fine singing voice to great effect.

Then we have Farmer Hood (Mark Gurney), Lurch (Steffi Huxley) and Clarissa (Charisse Goddard) all adding much to the fun. Sue Beck gave a lovely performance as Mother Hen, gathering her chicks and making sure they behaved themselves!

Andy Bennett played the wicked Mr Wolf who met his comeuppance in the end. A very interesting character with definite evil intent but looking very handsome as well!  The big bad wolf had already blown down the house belonging to the three piglets, who were delightfully played by Tegan Mayhew, Amy Shepherd and Freya Goldsmith, and fun was had from those who played the other supporting parts in great style.

The cast coped very well with the recorded music but I have to admit that I missed the live variety but do realise that this is not always possible.

The scenery was excellent and all those who had worked on design and construction and the backstage crew did a great job.

So much hard work goes into these productions and congratulations to all involved, especially to writer and director Bob Hammond.

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