Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates

This really was a rip roaring rumbustious affair! All the traditional panto characters were there but were dealt with in such a way that the audience were drawn in from beginning to end.  Lucie Cater kicked things off as Coral, the charming Spirit of the Seas closely followed by Elizabeth Jenkins, the wicked Daisy Jones, threatening all sorts of doom and gloom in connection with her locker and looking intensely scary.  We then knew that the fight between good and evil had really begun.

Shannon Victoria played Juanita in true Principal Girl style, with Nicola Cullen as a swash buckling Robinson Crusoe.  A panto is definitely not a panto without a Dame and Margarita Juicilita (Adam Riggs) was the definitive Dame with plenty of naughtiness and wonderful changes of costume.

Nutty Nick (Mcauley Parker) was definitely nutty and great fun and Helen Griffin and Linda Kinghorn as Skull Duggery and Cross-Bones gave us plenty of comedy.

We were treated to another baddie as Hayden Cheyne gave us his Captain Cut-Throat, wearing a magnificent costume and receiving plenty of boos from the audience for his dastardly deeds.

When we moved to the jungle, we certainly met some other great characters:  Peter Tucknott and Yvonne Corbishley as Hocus Pocus and Mumbo Jumbo being very scary and looking for dinner of the human kind!  Poll the parrot played by Alexandra Knight was so very parrot like and gave a lovely performance and Cris Haniver was Girl Friday with a liking for correct English!  Another great performance.

Lovely to see the Sue Wood Dancers again from the Park School of Dancing – Sue’s choreography is always a delight.  Everyone moved well throughout, with excellent singing from all.

Marc Charlton directed the Band who supported everyone on stage so well.  Well done to all involved in the excellent scenery -  Production Design by David Buck.  Lighting, costumes and props were all handled with expertise. The programme was well designed and colourful – a lovely memento of a very enjoyable production. We must never forget all those who do many other things backstage including the wonderful theatrical effects and all who help with front of house and refreshments.

Somebody has to bring all the above together in rehearsal, so many congratulations to Laura Catchpole for all her hard work.  Polegate’s 52nd panto was a great success and we look forward to many more.

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