Robinson Crusoe

Having never seen Robinson Crusoe before as a pantomime, I wondered how it would pan-out - after all, the original story has just two characters, Robinson Crusoe and Man Friday - plus, not very welcoming cannibals! - Well, S.T.A.R.S pointed me in the right direction with a clearer plot involving Treasure Island, pirates and also lots of familiar characters!

This was a very traditional pantomime, with all the usual 'business' that made it amusing for adults and children alike. The director in charge of all this, Chris Binns, not only directed, but also co-wrote the story, (along with Chris Townsley and Mel Silver) and played the Dame, Chrissie Crusoe! A mammoth task which he took, as a seasoned performer, completely in his stride, with good comedy.

The plot was easy to follow - Robinson Crusoe, played confidently by Maisie Call, is in love with Polly, played sweetly by Liz Gonzalez - her father, Captain Perkins, played by the stalwart performer, Bernard Wilson, is planning a voyage to the West Indies - Robinson has a map of buried treasure, but the Captain won't let him sail with them. His two crew men, Hans and Deck, played enthusiastically by Leo Mercer and Finlay Graham, are not exactly 'able-boded' seamen, but the Captain prepares to set sail anyway.

Robinson had brought along his parrot - Beaky, played exceptionally well by Alice Fish - this young lady had some wonderful expressions and mannerisms - although her squawk could wake up the whole of Leeds!!

There was a funny 'kitchen' scene involving Mrs Crusoe, with Hans and Deck. This was well played, lots of flour and water thrown about - a dead cert for laughs. Another character had snuck on board - Blackpatch, the pirate, played with great panache by Dave Harris, resplendent in black leather and sporting a black eyepatch (of course!). From another pirate ship up pops Jack Fruit, a mate of Blackpatch and played energetically by Dave Collins. I particularly loved the rendering of 'I am a Pirate King' from 'The Pirates of Penzance - you can't beat a bit of Gilbert and Sullivan!

Then came the storm and we were now on a deserted island - at least, that's what they thought - Robinson had survived the shipwreck but is captured by the cannibals. I was particularly impressed by their dance number with UV lighting, creating their cannibal symbol with strong drum beat. Their Chief is Iawanna Ichu (it's an anagram....) played with gusto by Janine Head. Luckily, the intrepid Beaky and Robinson's new friend, Girl Friday, played with a lovely sense of comedy by Belle Isbister, were there to save the day and gradually, all the shipwrecked gang were reunited. There followed a search for the buried treasure, easily found!  Blackpatch and Jack Fruit were banished along with the cannibals..... And everyone was happy!

Adding to the mayhem were a small ensemble of adults and children, all putting their hearts and souls into the performance - Andrew Charles, Julie Birmingham and Rachel de Luca, They were joined by the 'Starbursts' - talented youngsters all! - Daisy Graham (Team Leader); Sonny Graham, Mia Bradford, Emily Foxton, Silvie Head, Abigail Maltas and Rachel Gonsalves.

The Production Team were equally as talented - actors couldn't manage without them!  Director, Chris Binns; Musical Director, Peter Boyes; Production and Stage Managers, Nicki Hood and Rowena Saville; Stage Crew, Mel Silver, Fran Silver, Jeff Brown and Brian Stead; Scenic Artist, Julie Birmingham;  Artwork, Rachel de Luca; Lighting, Daryl Harris, Peter Wallwork and Andy Wright; Sound, Neil Bradford; Props, David Waite and Joan Waite; Wardrobe, Clare Burnside and Margaret Townsley (excellent - a lot of hard work here!) Makeup, Judith Smith; plus Bookings, Programmes and Front of House - all treasures!  There was no credit for Choreography but dance and movement were of a high standard.

All in all, a great evening's entertainment - I wish you all well in your future productions, keeping Amateur Theatre alive! 

 

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