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Return to The Forbidden Planet

Author: Deborah Jea

Information

Date
23rd May 2023
Society
Brentwood Musical Theatre Society
Venue
Brentwood Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Claire Carr
Musical Director
Ian Southgate
Choreographer
Claire Carr

Director Claire Carr and her talented Cast, Crew and Production Team took the key elements of the fusion of 1950’s serialised Science Fiction (think Flash Gordon), a story line driven by The Tempest with classic twists on the Bard’s text from many plays “What light through yonder Airlock Brakes” being one example, and a Rock and Roll soundtrack including such classics as Great Balls of Fire & Good Vibrations to create an hysterical (for the right reasons), exhilarating, bonkers, high energy night of entertainment that has the whole audience dancing during the final curtain call. 

Return to the Forbidden Planet is hard to categorise but has several key elements all of which were on display in this production.  First you need a Captain Tempest that has expert comic timing, playing this pivotal character as sincerely stupid David Everest-Ring was simply perfect in the role.  His apparently effortless timing, while channelling a hybrid of Captain Kirk & Jason Nesmith (Galaxy Quest) had the audience in the palm of his hand within the first 5 minutes.  

Next you need the Robot Ariel who is able to roller-skate effortlessly, sing and deliver great comic timing whilst also performing in a robot suit complete with full silver face make-up.  From her first entrance through a smoke filled, light blinding Air-Lock Hannah Brent delivered Ariel to perfection.   

Then David Gillet as Cookie simply smashed it with his excellent portrayal of the vulnerable, easily led, ships Cook. 

Finally, you need the rest of the principals and ensemble to bring everything they have to the party.  Kerry Cooke was excellent as the scheming Science Officer Gloria and vocally shone in “Go Now”. Andy Gillet ensured that Prospero was not just a caricature “Evil Genius” but was driven by his need to protect his daughter Miranda from the captain and crew. Bryony Colton was the quintessential Miranda with a character arc that moved from “young budding virgin” to self-aware femme-fatal with brilliant movement, vocal work in classics such as “Teenager in Love” and her diction was crystal clear making the Shakespeare dialogue clear and very understandable. Jon Keeler with his brilliant dance moves and dramatic delivery was on great form as the Navigation Officer leading the crew in most numbers. Finally, Ben Martins played the Bosun effortlessly as the obvious brains/power behind the captain with just the right combination of sarcasm and patience. The ensemble all added their unique characters to the ship’s crew so congratulations. 

Although this show is a high energy romp this is only possible if the choreography is complementary to the action and the technical elements of the show. Claire’s Choreography met the mood in every respect allowing the cast to enjoy themselves and this enjoyment was infectious as the cast descended into the audience during the curtain calls. The technical elements and timing were delivered expertly on this opening night. The whole show was infectious fun, and the audience left entertained and with their spirits uplifted. 

Congratulations to the whole of the team – a brilliant spaceship created without buying in any pre-built set, excellent costumes, props and non-stop energy from every performer, cast and crew member.  

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