Robinson Crusoe

Oldbury Rep describe their annual pantomime as traditional and having seen several in the past, it is what it says on the tin!  Part of that custom seems to be the use of Tom Whalley’s script and “Robinson Crusoe” maintains the tradition. Tom Whalley has the ability to write pantomimes that are suitable for all ages – the raunchy jokes that don’t provoke embarrassing questions, loads of physical comedy and silly jokes that make you cringe or belly laugh and no padding around the story – everything has its place.

All the ingredients were there for a great night out.  Ian Thompson, the show’s director as well as being Dame Crystal Crusoe, had gathered together a great production team including Musical Director, John Barber and his band, Assistant Director Lynne Payne, Choreographer Michele Forbes, assisted by Natalie Forbes-Moore, who also played Polly Perkins, and Stage Manager Diane Careless, assisted by Sue Jones and ‘team’ is the word – the show ran seamlessly always finding time for plenty of ad libs and friendly banter with the audience much to their enjoyment.

Eve Pitt as the title character, Robinson Crusoe, had all the swagger, swash and buckle required of a Principal Boy as well as an amazing singing voice and made the perfect acting partnership with Natalie Forbes-Moore as Principal Girl, Polly Perkins – their duet of ‘Unexpected Song’ was delightful.  Another essential ingredient for a good panto is a brilliant baddie and Mike Hadley’s Captain Blacktashe, we had just that. Mike had tremendous fun toying with the audience and getting the requisite amount of boos and hisses and stirring up the younger audience members into a frenzy. Mike’s gang was made up of Sprinkle, Francesca Niblock-Priest, Tinkle, Elise Mcpherson and Winkle, Ezme-Jean Forbes-Moore (Natalie’s daughter – but ‘moore’ of that later!) 3 younger members with great comedy and dancing talent – the future is definitely bright! Blacktashe’s nemesis is Calypso, played with a sparkling twinkle in her eye by Gail Mee, who definitely gave as good as she got as the Good Fairy in her altercations with the baddie, with her great comedy timing and excellent singing voice well to the fore, great rendition of ‘Holding Out for a Hero’. The comedy side was well represented with the Crusoe Family: Peter Corser as Captain Crusoe, Ian Thompson as Dame Crystal (Robinson’s Mom and Dad) and Sprat Crusoe (their other son and Robinson’s dim Black Country brother) This team was a joy to watch whenever they appeared on stage, all looking as if they were having a great time, swallowing up and reacting to each other as well as the very smart and witty remarks from the audience – mainly the adults on the night that I was there! There were some great comedy set pieces including the battering the fish slosh scene in the Crusoe’s family fish and chip shop (cleverly adapted lyrics to the song from ‘Charlie Girl’) Dame Crystal’s  mock striptease was hilarious made all the more funny by a great costume supplied by Leo’s Theatrical Costumiers and the 12 Days of Christmas Fish ‘n’ Chip adapted Community Song was a great hit – as the beachballs masquerading at 5 Pickled Eggs were bouncing all around the auditorium and stage, much to the sheer enjoyment of adults and children alike.

The supporting characters played a huge contribution to the production -particularly Matt Turner as Peter Perkins, the Innkeeper and Polly’s father and as it turns out – the hero of the piece having the key to the treasure, had great rapport with Natalie, and  Doug Moore as Friday, the desert island ruler and Town Crier. Doug’s singing voice was excellent in ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ – and not only that, completing the family line up – Doug is Michele, the choreographer’s, son in law and wife of Michele’s daughter, Natalie (Polly Perkins) and father of Ezme-Jean (Winkle) the very talented 3 generations. The ensemble was all given a chance to shine as various characters including the townsfolk - Jenny Gordon-Redmond as The Cook, Elizabeth Ormston as The Baker, Lauren Mee as The Candlestick Maker and Lynn Roberts as The Butcher and then various Sailors, Cannibals, Monkeys and Ghosts.

The singing and music throughout were of a very high quality thanks to Musical Director John Barber accompanied by the band – all of whom were on stage throughout.  Some highlights were ‘No Cure Like Travel/Bon Voyage’ from “Anything Goes” and “Hello Polly” instead of “Hello Dolly” was a clever touch. A send up of the Robbie Williams/Jonathan Wilkes hit, given the panto treatment, as ‘Me and My Shadows’ sung by Crystal, Robinson and Sprat and an amazing ultra violet puppet scene as the underwater finale to Act One climaxing with ‘Raise You Up’ from “Kinky Boots” with puppets provided by the Groovy UV Show. Added to which, some great choreography for ‘All that Jazz’ – a true finale in every sense!

Oldbury’s stage is not vast, and it was great to see the limited space used so effectively.  The combination of the band, choreography, Oldbury Rep and Leo’s terrific costumes, great comedy and pathos, charming singing and a multi-location set from the docks, to the fish and chip shop, on board ship , underwater, the desert island and inside the tomb of lost treasure were all represented superbly with use of minimal scenery and some great backdrops. All under the responsibility of Diane Careless and the Stage Management team which all worked beautifully.

All in all yet another brilliant evening’s entertainment from Oldbury Rep and a pleasure to have a jolly good laugh while enjoying it!

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