Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates

There was a real buzz of anticipation from the audience as the lights dimmed and the band struck up under the baton of the excellent musical director Aubrey Sanderson who moved the whole show on at a lively pace showing superb musicality. There is no doubt that live music gives a show that extra finesse.  We were not disappointed, and as ever Spittal Variety Group delivered us an evening of thorough enjoyment, captivating the audience the minute the curtains opened. This group worked with dedication and commitment to give us a first class show with principals, chorus and dancers being well rehearsed. The loyal prompt Maureen was redundant! Make-up and costumes were spot on.

The principals were all confident and good in their roles. A sparkling Jennifer Greenwood made a lovely underwater fairy with her special effect pyrotechnics, and guided the cast through the story of slap-stick, drama and tragedy to a glorious finale with the cast resplendent in traditional costumes. Johnny Scott, playing ‘Nutty Nick’, was hilarious, giving us that feeling of well-being every time he stepped on stage. He has a very gifted knack of playing the funny man, and with his exuberant persona he easily gets the audience hyped up and involved and he delivered an extremely polished and confident performance. John Dougal, playing ‘Dame Margarita’, once again was outrageous, and his attention to detail in his costumes must be second to none. The audience just love him and he is certainly one of the best dames in amateur theatre. ‘Captain Seasalt’, played by Keith Fraser, was good and had us laughing with his dancing. Keep up the dance classes Keith, we loved your routine! Double comic act ‘Skull Duggery and Cross Bones’ played by Nicola Hastie and Fiona Dunn were extremely slick and funny and worked very well together. Principal boy and girl, played by Hannah Bass and Laura Dunn, looked good together, were perfect for their parts and their singing was lovely. Baddy ‘Cut Throat’ was Ian Little and he rose to the occasion by being thoroughly evil and had the audience hissing and booing at every entrance. All other supporting principals were good, but special mention must go to Sharon Young for her part of Mumbo Jumbo, and what a treat in the second act to hear her solos, which were wonderful.

Well done to Nicola Hastie, Georgia Young, Matthew Wood and Georgia Murray all taking on minor principal roles having been in the society for many years as Juniors or Chorus!

Lots for the chorus and juniors to learn, but they were word and move perfect as were the dancers, and Nancy Steel has obviously worked with creativity and drive to get everyone involved and moving as this was a huge cast and there was limited room on stage.

My congratulations to the production team, stage crew, make-up and wardrobe, music ensemble and front of house and especially to the society President for her exceptional welcome and hospitality.

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