Robinson Crusoe by Vanessa K Breach

This was my first visit to The MAD Company in Liphook and what a great pleasure it was. High production values were evident right from the start, from the design of the tickets, a good quality colour programme and even a little kite to wave during the show! These values continued onto the set with professional-looking backcloths and well-made props (notably the palm trees, the statue, the cannibals’ cauldron, the treasure map and the crate that Lucy emerged from) and most appropriate and highly colourful costumes. Well-designed lighting enhanced this already vivid picture. No external organisations were credited in the programme, so I assume this was all the work of company members – I am very impressed!

The script, written by director Vanessa K. Breach, contained all the traditional panto elements that had the audience responding enthusiastically right from the start. I found the female dame took a little getting used to but, thanks to Mandy Coluccia’s many talents, this worked extremely well. Choreography (also by Vanessa Breach) was imaginative and well executed. It must have taken a lot of hard work to get this large cast with a very wide age range so well co-ordinated. I particularly liked the underwater scene in Davy Jones’ Locker – so imaginative and enhanced by some fantastic props. The singing too was first rate and obviously well-rehearsed. It was amplified just the right amount although I was puzzled at times because it seemed like there were always more people singing than were on stage.

And so to the actors. First rate performances from everyone - without exception, right down to the littlest. As I mentioned before, it’s rather unusual having a female dame, but Mandy Coluccia totally made the part her own, being just as waspish and conniving as the role demands, handling the audience with great aplomb and wearing the most amazing costumes and head-gear. Tony Robinson was just right as the bumbling Captain Perkins, who seemed to have stepped straight out of HMS Pinafore. Tatum Shields as Robinson Crusoe was the perfect principal boy, with a beautiful singing voice and was well matched with Lucy Coluccia as Lucy: such a picture of innocence, how could they not fall in love? Lucy’s actions as a clockwork doll were spot on – jerky but not overdone, and I liked how her and Robinson’s costumes were always co-ordinated – a nice detail. Bethany Breach and Hazel Simmons also worked well together as Chrissie Crusoe and Ben The Bosun.

Kevin Stephenson and Claire Fewings (Captain Blackheart and Captain Fishnets) made a great pair of baddies. How did you manage to come up with so many alternatives to Blackheart’s name – and how did Claire remember them all! Kevin was every inch the pirate captain in actions, looks and speech, and Claire was the perfect, cheeky side-kick, with wonderful characterisation and stage presence.

What a great evening’s entertainment that was! Colourful, funny, well written, well directed and well executed; professional in every respect. A huge WELL DONE to everyone involved.

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