Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates

There is no better way to dispel those January blues than going to see a pantomime! LIDOS always deliver the perfect antidote by way of a great panto and this one was no different!

The opening of this panto was set on a plantation in Brazil, so immediately, we were transported to warmer climes with the ensemble brightly costumed and setting a brisk pace to the proceedings. Here we met the Dame Margarhita and her son, Nutty Nick, played very well by Graham Siddle and Matthew Tempest respectively. Matthew's banter with the audience was spot-on; with an audience full of Scouts, Guides and Brownies, on the night I attended, he needed to be! The dialogue throughout was very funny and appealed to both children and adults alike. The 'nasties', headed by 'Cut -Throat' (James Sidgewick), were appropriately 'boo-ed' by the audience, making them even more horrid! A striking 'Robinson' played by Emma Taylor, brought a freshness to the role of Principal Boy, enhanced by Emma Stirk, playing the love interest, 'Juanita'. In fact, all the principal roles were played with great enthusiasm and gusto. I particularly liked Jack Brindle's performance as 'Friday' - a novel twist - the whole pantomime had a modern feel as well as sticking to the well-loved format.

Director, Shirley Hoyland, blended all the different scenes with a strong guiding hand - Musical Director, George Strickland, delivered some pleasing harmonies from the cast - Choreographers, Emma Tempest and Donna Wells, once again brought some energetic dance moves, particularly in the 'Witch Doctor and Mumbo-Jumbo' - 'Jai Ho' number. I was so pleased to see some happy, smiling faces from the Junior Team - it does make a difference!

As usual, LIDOS's back-stage team, headed by Matt Stirk, Stage Manager, worked hard to deliver some stunning sets, lighting effects and I was really impressed by the projections - they gave us a ship in full sail, a desert island (with flying birds!) and an underwater scene, complete with fish! It certainly made for speedy set changes and kept the action moving along. Costumes and makeup once more gave the production a very professional feel.

I am very proud of LIDOS for giving their audiences such a marvellous pantomime and also, for the news that they will provide the Cabaret at the NODA North East Gala Weekend with scenes from their acclaimed production of 'Supertown'. Congratulations to you all!

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