Robinson Crusoe

It’s always a pleasure attending Spennymoor Stage and Song and being invited to their long awaited pantomime “Robinson Crusoe” was equally as much of a pleasure.  You’re always guaranteed a warm welcome and a cracking production into the bargain.  This was no exception.  Can we have mix-ups for the next few though please? I’m just disappointed as it was a school night I was unable to hang around in the bar!

Immediately your eyes were drawn to the splendid colour and scenery on display from Eric Hickson which was utterly perfect for the performance.  Lighting was very slick, well done Aaron Calder and Maurice Edmondson however the costumes were a marvel in themselves.  Appropriate, bold colour, with lots of added detail (I noticed Britannia’s shoes!) so credit to Sue Marley for bringing those together. Staging changes were slick and well thought out.

Stacey Thompson took on the titular role of Robinson Crusoe and did an excellent job.  I had no idea she could sing as generally she’s seen in dancing roles, but she played an excellent role and I really enjoyed her stage presence.

The audience interaction especially from Liam Etherington as Billy Crusoe was very good with great expressions and the audience on the evening I attended were thoroughly enjoying themselves and becoming rather invested in the well-being of the rat!  Liam is at ease playing with the audience and his ad libs were at times really hilarious.  Ian Patterson continues to surprise me, this time playing the dame “Clarissa Crusoe” with a flair, delighting the audience with her exploits and dramatics which were never far away.  Montomery Moneybags played by Dean Ranyard was very clear with his diction and Daniel Riches as Davey Jones played an excellent baddie, in fact I wish the script had provided for a little more time with that character on stage as he was played really very well.

I really also liked the community feel of the performance too, with nods to local retailers “Defty’s” for example.  Really in keeping with community spirit which is so important to us all.

Choreography was extremely well presented, well-rehearsed and it was clear joint choreographers Stacey Thompson and Ann-Marie Clayton has worked hard to ensure that the ensemble presented so well.  “Under the Sea” number was really enjoyable with lovely bright costuming.  Most importantly there were some lovely big smiles, loads of positive energy and clearly everyone was enjoying themselves.

It did seem a little odd that the “12 days of Christmas” number was played in January but the energy brought to it was brilliant yet exhausting!  The audience were loving it despite ducking to miss the errant toilet rolls flying around, just the right mix of humour, energy and chaos.

Other principal charters played by Ann-Marie Clayton as Britannia, Sara Holiday as Friday, Rebekah Newman as Paddling Pete, Abbie Newman as Seafaring Sam and Jayne Etherington as Susie played their roles very well indeed.

 A really lovely night’s entertainment and I am very much looking forward to the next one.

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