Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates

Presenting its 66th production, it has been 15 years since giving ‘Robinson Crusoe…’ another airing and this version written by Alan P Frayne and directed by Sue Cassidy was well worth it. The action opens in Brazil, a nice change from the more typical opening panto scenes at a British port or in the village square and when the Captain’s crew has deserted, Robinson is signed up to go in search of treasure.

Robinson himself is very well played by Matthew Heels, full of stature with a bright personality and an excellent voice. He arrives to meet his girlfriend Juanita, also well played by Jennifer Brinton. Their duet ‘Islands in the Stream’ was beautifully sang.

Captain Seasalt, a more serious role but essential to the plot, was played with great confidence and clarity by Jason Beard. In addition to Crusoe, the Captain enlists a cook Margarita Juicilita and son Nutty Nick. Richard Hulbert as the Dame, Margarita was excellent and fully carried off the role with humour. Speaking of humour, the audience favourite was clearly Pete Coxhead as Nutty Nick, whose straight-faced comedy, stole that department throughout the performance.

KTG again provided great depth in its remaining principal line-up; Cut Throat, (Sarah Gilhooly) an attractive ruthless buccaneer and her two side-kicks, Skull-Duggery (Judy Hooper) and Cross-Bones (Cath Skyrme) a typical and well played panto comedy duo, Coral Spirit of the Seas, played realistically by Claire Hemmingway and matched by her arch rival Davey Jones (Ray Needham).

The chorus provided some uplifting musical numbers as we were taken to several tropical scenes with sailors to pirates and natives, always exceedingly well dressed, as were the whole cast. For several numbers the chorus were supported by Paula Dymock’s Harlequin Stage School seniors, who when they also performed on their own were exceptionally well polished. Their professionalism is clearly rubbing off on the Juniors who not only danced but sang ‘Happy Talk’ and ‘Part of your World’ with enthusiasm, demonstrating a broad level of talent.

Great support was also provided in some of the smaller roles including Friday (Helen Lowe), Hocus Pocus (Anne Osborne), Poll (Sally Smith) and a special word for Vicky Kyte who at short notice stepped in to play Mumbo Jumbo.

The set and lighting crews were very effective particularly in the transition from ship to undersea world and the tropical island. The sound crew, and small orchestra led by Andrew Easton gave just the right level of support throughout concluding the show with a spectacular Mardi Gras finale!  Congratulations to all involved on and off stage.

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