Robinson Crusoe

If laughter is a measurement of  a successful pantomime, then I think it is fair to say that Hornsea Amateur Theatre Society broke the metre. So many happy faces of varying ages (and not just in the audience). Although pantos are normally synonymous with Christmas and the new year,  this talented group broke the mould and created an evening full of fun throughout the summer holidays, with adventure and a treasure hunt. What more does a kid of any age want?

The wonderful venue of the Floral Hall is a great, intimate place with fabulous resources and a brilliantly sized stage which helps create a great family feel. The hall had been decorated modestly, yet effectively to give the sea fairing feel. The set was minimal yet well painted and gave a good nod towards the backdrop of each scene.

It was very apparent that every member of cast had a blast on the stage, which I must say is one of my favourite things about this group. The casts enjoyment radiates off the stage which is so infectious that it just helps with the laid-back inclusive feel. Even with odd, blundered lines or stage malfunctions that can happen with first night nerves,  the cast shrugged it off and turned it into part of their character and could certainly ad lib and laugh at themselves. This is perfect for a panto!

Kirsty Higgins as Robinson Crusoe and Chloe Walker as Polly Plughole were a good, matched pair and really complimented each other’s acting skills throughout the show. They definitely brought their own spin to the characters. Laura Embleton as The Spirit of the Northern Star was a wonderfully bright, smiley addition to the cast and certainly new her part down to the letter. Every panto needs a villain, and this one has the dastardly dealings of Blackbeard played by Paul Sorfleet and was accompanied by his devious Henchmen played by Rosie Thompson and Natalie Clysedale. A story of Robinson Crusoe would not be complete without his right-hand man, Man Friday played by Noah Oomfield, whose articulation and mannerisms were great for the part.

To me there were three members of the cast that kept the laughter rolling through. Joe Jenney as Billy Crusoe was hilarious and is definitely meant to play the role of the hapless Billy. His audience interaction was superb and definitely knew how to make everyone giggle. Ian Thompson as Mrs Crusoe was perfectly cast. He brought the house down on many occasions, as well as making us dizzy with the shear volume of costume changes. I think he has a career in quick change acts. Phil Wilson rounded off the trio with his great portrayal of Captain Plughole bringing unexpected giggles to the stage. These three worked so well together that you feel like they have been acting together for years.

Hornsea Amateur Theatre Society are definitely the group to beat for hilarious pantos. I’m pretty sure you can hear the laughter from all round the area. The whole evening was enjoyable from the welcome by the friendly front of house staff, through the none stop laughter of the show, to the final farewell as the cast waved the audience goodbye at the doors. As mentioned above the show will be running every Tuesday throughout the Summer Holidays so make sure you get yourself there for a good heart felt laugh

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