Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates

Once again Northallerton was treated to yet another superb panto, ”Robinson Crusoe” with an excellent cast, every member of which played very well indeed,  and was really enthusiastic in everything that they did, particularly the juniors in the chorus.  They really put their hearts and souls into their performance with strong singing and dancing. The outstanding performances were once again comedy duo Nik Browne and Nigel Thompson who played Margarita Juicilata and Nutty Nick, respectively. There were times when your sides were aching with laughter, particularly in the kitchen scene when flour and water were all over the place.  I’ll bet that scene was different every night, absolutely great.  Playing the leading role of Robinson Crusoe was Anthea Richardson-Owens, and how well she played. The Captain of the ship was again very well played by Roger Kiddle as Captain Sea Salt. His daughter Juanita was delightfully played by Zoe Baxter.  Leading the Pirates was Cut Throat, confidently played by Martin Holdsworth, and with him were Skull Duggery, played by Azzie Johnson, and Cross Bones, played by Susan Wildon, who had many comical scenes which were very well done. Keeping the Goodies and the Baddies apart was Coral of the Seas, delightfully played by Dianne Henry. Sharing all the boos and hisses was Cut Throat Davy Jones, very well played by David Ferry  He got what he wanted when a storm blew up and the ship got shipwrecked. Here we saw in UV  light underwater animals and fishes  swimming around, and how well it was done.  They soon were captured and put into a large pot, and it was here we came across  one-legged Hocus Pocus, very well done by Tom  Rook, and Mumbo Jumbo played by Tracie Birdsall. They really made good natives along with the junior chorus. When Robinson got freed she met Friday, played by Dan Henry, and Poll, played by Eleanor Reynolds. We had some good chorus numbers well matching the story, all put together by the Musical Director who had an excellent small ensemble, just right for the show. We had some excellent lighting and sound effects, along with excellent scenery all done by members of the company.  it all helps in making a great show. The two persons who deserve all the credit were James Cornick and Emma Greenhalgh, the choreographer. They did a splendid job along with Alan Owens  in making this yet another first class show.  Well done.

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