Robinson Crusoe

I have found that Pantomimes during the period from November 2014 until February 2015 have been so varied and enjoyable with a really high standard and Brantham (BATS) with “Robinson Crusoe”added their panto well in this splendid standard.

This Panto was one of the more unusual ones with the classic story being adapted to Panto mode.

A very bright and cheerful start to the show with mainly a chorus of ladies and young girls who were beautifully dressed.A few gentlemen added to the cast albeit mainly in named characters.

Led by a very smiley Lauren Mercer as Robinson Crusoe a thigh slapping hero of the story, together with brother Billy Crusoe played by Len Stockdale, both brought the show alive and the rapport with the audience was very relaxed. The “Dame” in the guise of Olivia Crusoe was brilliantly played by John Hoskyns.

Beautifully dressed through the show with bright and attractive costumes John was one of the best “Dames” I have seen this season.

His timing and facial expressions were perfect and said it all, and he had the audience involved whenever he appeared on stage.I loved this character.Well Done John!

Nip and Tuck played by Leslay Mercer and Alice Harris  were very amusing and had great enthusiasm when on stage,both natural performers.

The dark character was Captain Hand played by Mark Hinson,suitably being hissed and booed at his entrances and exits.Again a strong character with a striking costume and very good make-up which added to the character.

Richard Heath as Squire Perkins and Laura Pitchell as Polly Perkins did well in their roles.

Geoff Hewitson as Friday had a strong stage presence, but I did not feel his general look was what we expect in this character who had been marooned on Skeleton Island for a long time.Friday was too clean and tidy, a more unkempt and ragged look overall might have added to this part.

“Under the Sea” was a very visual effect and with very colourful costumes it worked well and the audiences enjoyed this scene a lot.

The many songs were very varied from way back into modern styles of today.All fitted into the story line well but I do feel that with all panto’s now not so many songs are really needed?Panto’s are quite long for younger children and more action seems to keep their attention rather than an overload of songs.

The dialogue flowed well and with all the cast being word perfect it was  a credit to the production team.

The backcloths were very colourful and the sound system very good as was the lighting.

Val Eldridge does really inspire her cast and works so hard for a high standard in whatever genre of theatre she directs.

Credit also to Alice for directing the children who were very good and their enjoyment at being part of the show was evident and came across to the audience.

Frankie did wonders with effective choreography adding a lot to the overall production and Patience works so hard in an understated way as MD and accompanist, and with Doug on Bass Guitar it was very good and supported the cast very well.

I came away feeling really uplifted from this company.It was a very pleasant evening, and well done to everyone both on and off stage for all the work put in.

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