Robinson Crusoe

What a panto driven by an energetic, imaginative team. The Starlight Players first panto was in 1974 when the society was formed– yes, 50 years ago. There
is still a healthy and able membership of all ages. We were entertained by all of them.

This was Robinson Crusoe with a twist. One of the elements of these shows is the audience participation. Right from the start the audience is engaged, booing,
clapping, singing, catching sweets and several members dressed in pirate costume, a nice touch.

The show started with 2 opposing teams of pirates (goodies and baddies) around the camp fire “exercising” some press ups!!!. A nice lighting effect throughout
that scene and others.

The painted backcloths complimented each scene. The clever use of rope rigging, a raised area for the capston wheel gave us the ship. Costumes were
hand made by the company and there were several inventive outfits, more of that later.

Friday (Paul Stevenson) was dressed very well and had a company of pirates and orphans living with him on the island. Very much in charge. Little Eric
Crusoe (Scott Wilson) was quite a timid Buttons character – he had a very pleasant singing voice.

Fanny Crusoe (John Roberts) was a typical dame. There was help from the orphans to bake a cake – always fun. Cedwick (Paula Carr) was an excellent
‘stooge’ pirate and worked well in company with Wodwick (Emma Griffiths). They skipped to answer orders from Captain Creep (Paul Dunn). He was good
as a baddie and his singing voice was fine too.

I thought Robinson Crusoe (Josh Wilde) arrived at the landing bay in a clever wheeled boat. He was exceptionally lucky to have Parrot (Tess Whomsley-
Walker) on board. As ever, she played her part very well – full of fun & energy. A good costume.

The chorus were lucky to have 3 choreographers teaching the dance routines which were excellent and done with a lot of energy, especially the hornpipe
using mops. Lots of the chorus also had a chance to have solo lines in songs.

Well – Act 2 opened with the “mermaids”, who had the treasure. They were something else. Sitting on rocks in their very effective costumes. The colours
were those of jewels. Ruby Coldheart (Liz Crooks), Luna Shrimpdragon (Leisha Keane) and Pearl Deepweed (Julie Roberts). I wondered where they
were in the first Act but it was worth waiting for them to appear. Lots of fun and expertise in their performance, quoting Macbeth “witches” and lovely harmony
singing.

The last performer was Weedy the Sea Monster. How clever that the company collected and recycled litter from two beaches to make a very large sea monster
“Weedy” . Help was from members of Creative Criccieth and the result was a green monster that needed 6 junior performers to bring it to life on stage. His
roar was quite powerful.

The recycling theme was also used when the mermaids tested Robinson Crusoe and Parrot. Parrot had the right answers and gained the treasure.
The director & producer along with the production team and performers did a very imaginative performance. Congratulations. We, along with the rest of the
audience had a good time with Starlight Players.

It is nice to see BSL signing being provided within some companies, including Starlight Players.

Jackie Titley
District 1A Representative

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