Robinson Crusoe

­­Upon arriving at Hemyock Parish Hall, I was greeted with open arms. The warm hospitality of the delightful director, Stuart, who introduced me to the stage, lighting, and the cast behind the scenes, instantly set the tone for an enjoyable evening.

The open stage was hand-painted, featuring a serene beach scene with palm trees and a tiki-themed hammock set to one side. The lighting was professional, effectively setting the scene and capturing the mood for each act. The costumes were well-suited to the theme, with each one fitting the characters appropriately. I was especially impressed by the parrot’s costume, which brought a playful and colourful element to the stage.

A solid performance came from the Dame (Mother Robinson), who maintained an impressive Southern American accent from start to finish. Your stage presence was undeniable, and comedic timing, along with some well-handled ad-libbing, added an extra layer of charisma and humour to the show.

Jasper Parrot brought diva energy to the stage, delivering the iconic “darling” with perfect flair. The perch at the side of the stage was a lovely touch, adding to the character’s presence. Staying on stage the entire time is no small feat, but it was carried off with style.

I absolutely loved the comedy duo Swash & Buckle. Their chemistry was undeniable as they played off each other effortlessly throughout the show, exchanging witty banter and feeding off each other’s energy. The rapport between them brought a fresh wave of fun to the performance, keeping the audience laughing from beginning to end.

Robinson Crusoe was portrayed with confidence, delivering a solid and engaging performance. The character’s presence brought depth to the production, adding an important layer to the overall storytelling.

Captain Blood was strong, feisty, and commanded the stage with a sense of authority. What a lovely singing voice! I would have loved to hear more of ‘The Pirate King,’ as your performance of the song was captivating and full of charm.

Polly Perkins, a small but mighty part, brought a sweet, yet not so innocent, character to life with ease. Your performance captured the perfect balance of warmth and mischief, adding depth to the role.

Miss Friday and The Old F.A.R.T’s were fun, eccentric, and completely entertaining. As a group, they brought laughter and joy, but individually, they each shone in their unique characters. Miss Friday’s control and efficiency were well executed on stage, though clearly ignored by the mischievous group of retired cruise ship goers. I thoroughly enjoyed “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and thought Cecil’s costume and one-liners were absolutely spot on.

Finally, a special mention to all the pirates and supporting roles who helped bring the performance together so wonderfully. Each of you brought your characters to life with such energy and enthusiasm, adding depth and vibrancy to the stage.

The performance was a lively whirlwind of energy, filled with fun, laughter, and a constant flow of well-crafted and occasionally risqué jokes that kept the audience thoroughly entertained. The inclusion of clever, familiar local references added a personal touch that resonated with the crowd. Thank you for inviting me to such an entertaining and enjoyable evening.

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