Red Riding Hood: A Twisted Pantomime

Review of Red Riding Hood: A Twisted Pantomime

This is the first performance from Drama Incorporated that I have had the pleasure of reviewing. This production of Red Riding Hood: A Twisted Pantomime, offers a fresh, engaging twist on the classic fairy tale. With excellent writing from Elizabeth and Daniel, this performance stands out as a delightful and clever retelling.

The story begins with the young Red Riding Hood, played by Jessica Greaves, alongside her beloved Jacob, portrayed by Holly Hammond. Their beautiful duet sets the stage for the rest of the performance. In this twisted version of the familiar tale, Red Riding Hood herself is reimagined as the villain played by Helen Caudwell who gave a strong performance throughout. Red’s daughter Scarlett played by Grace Ellis steps into the role of the heroine, a standout talent, she impressed us all with her stunning vocal ability.

Peter, Scarlett's loyal friend portrayed by Caitie Hart, is a perfect companion in the story, and the chemistry between them felt genuine. Lesley Bright, as Granny Blanche, provided plenty of comedic moments, riding in on her electric scooter and causing havoc with her antics as she continuously escaped from her care home.

Zoe Hayward brought Captain Flannering to life with a booming voice, effectively attempting to keep order among her unruly troops. Meanwhile, the Storyteller, played by Claire Toplis, provided a helpful narration to keep the audience engaged and connected with the unfolding events.

The wolf, played by Nigel Ellis, was another standout character—masterfully blending humour and intrigue. His voice was perfectly suited to the role, and his stage presence was undeniably strong, drawing the audience in with every scene.

The Three Pigs (Jodie Neary-Hilliard as Ham, Gary Toplis as Spam, and Ruby Merrison as Jam) were an absolute highlight of the production. Their performances were brimming with infectious humour, thanks to sharp, witty writing and impeccable delivery. Each pig brought their own unique flair to the role. Their comedic timing was spot-on, and their chemistry as a trio made for some of the most memorable and laugh-out-loud moments of the show. The audience was in stitches every time they appeared on stage, and it’s clear that this trio had an undeniable impact, leaving everyone wanting more.

The Sorcerer, played by Elizabeth Holme-Cherry, was a key figure in driving the upheaval of the tale. Her poignant delivery at the end of the show and powerful message of love she imparted provided a touching and heartfelt conclusion.

The talented ensemble of woodland creatures brought the forest to life with energetic dancing and playful choreography. Their contributions enhanced the overall atmosphere, adding a magical touch to the production.

The direction, skilfully guided by Elizabeth herself, with invaluable assistance from Nigel, brings this whimsical tale to life with warmth and energy.

Musical direction by Jodie Neary-Hilliard ensured that the songs were well-executed. Choreography was handled by a talented trio—Jessica Greaves, Caitie Hart, and Ruby Merrison—with some fantastic young talent involved, their energy on stage was infectious. The cast clearly have had a blast at rehearsals and brought that same joy to the stage.

The costumes were well-designed, adding to the overall charm of the production. The painted backdrop was stunning with a talented tech crew. This is the magic of community theatre, where everyone plays a role in creating a memorable performance.

And let’s not forget the homemade cakes during the interval—a lovely, personal touch that truly exemplified the community spirit of the production.

Overall, Red Riding Hood: A Twisted Pantomime is a wonderful example of what makes community theatre so special. It’s a show filled with heart, humour, and talent, where everyone—cast and crew alike—came together to create something truly memorable. A big congratulations to all involved!

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