RED RIDING HOOD

‘Whose Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf’ was definitely on the cards at this pantomime. Preceded by a warm welcome from The Kind Fairy, Rebecca Crooke, the chorus painted a superb opening to the piece. Peter Weston again – top marks for some excellent backdrops which added to the feel of the pantomime.
Catrin Mari Thomas was in fine voice with her portrayal of the title role, Red Riding Hood, her  ‘Love Letters Straight from the Heart’ being a highlight of the production. Paula Carr was on top form as Peter, The Woodcutter and was a fine foil for Red Riding Hood. Good contribution from youngsters Jake Rice and Krystal Rice as Patches and Pinny respectively, we could hear every word. Dan May earned many boos from the audience as the bad Squire Bullimore whilst Miss Took, complete with hockey stick, was characterised by Liz Crooke. Paul Dunn was bang on target as the Dame of the Pantomime, Granny Knot. Paul fully immersed himself in the role much to the delight of the audience, bringing audience participation, which is really a major part of pantomime to the fore. He led the youngsters in a great number ‘Iam a Wooflie’ at beginning of Act 2.  The trio of Reddy - Kevan Loney, Willin - Kate Dunn, and Unable – Roy Stambrow,  worked well as a comedy trio, with Ben Rosen as The Wicked Wolf receiving many screeches from the younger members of the audience to everyone’s delight. I felt some of the Wolf’s script was inaudible at times due to his mask, must have been very hot, but nevertheless a creditable performance. Tess and Ellie Whomsley-Walker completed the list of principals as the loveable Samson the Horse.

Both Senior and Junior Choruses made full use of the stage and shone in their musical numbers, both vocally and with their movement. The dancers from Gaynor Owen School of Dance delighted the audience once again with their routines. It was good to see yet another less popular pantomime performed by this enterprising Company – Thank you very much once again.

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