Robinson Crusoe & the Pirates

This Society certainly sailed back on the crest of a wave after unfortunately having had to cancel last year’s production at short notice.

The theatre, full to capacity for this first night performance, was bursting with Christmas cheer and the audience, buzzing from the start, clapped, and cheered enthusiastically giving tremendous support throughout. 

A splendid smoke geyser highlighted the entrance for the Fairy as the story unfolded and the characters were introduced following a lively opening number. 

There was a strong storyline and the action flowed seamlessly from scene to scene. All the traditional, expected  elements of pantomime were there, plenty of banter, misunderstandings, and audience participation, “goodies “, “baddies”, “silly billies”, a romantic duo and of course a Dame!

All the principals performed with sincerity and commitment and together with a strong chorus of adults and youngsters, and an excellent troupe of dancers, created a warm and exuberant atmosphere from the word go which poured from the stage into the auditorium. 

Played in customary style Dame Margarita Jucilita was most definitely a “bloke in a frock”, with no hint of falsetto, which can be difficult to sustain and not always easy on the ear! “She” was well accompanied by “her” son Nutty Nick who brought his well-honed skills to the part, getting the audience immediately on side, and the two bounced off each other in good form. The title role of Robinson was played in traditional Principal Boy style, by a confident performer filling the boots to a tee and was well partnered by Juanita, the Captain’s daughter.

Fairy Coral, with a gentle Welsh  lilt, made an attractive and ethereal presence against  a menacing Davy Jones, and the equally scary Hocus Pocus and Mumbo Jumbo. 

Cut-Throat the Pirate was excellently played, aided and abetted  brilliantly by “sidekicks” Skull Duggery and Cross Bones who won the audience over completely.  

Captain Seasalt gave a solid and endearing performance while Friday in an interesting “six-pack” costume and a very pretty Polly made up the cast giving  sterling support.

While the opening to Act II was a particularly impressive, and well-dressed scene with bright orange wigs and a great mix of colours, the  sets and backdrops overall were simply stunning, and all the costumes co-ordinated and eye-catching!

There were so many memorable moments – oh yes there were!

The loading of the ship made for a busy and interesting scene with your eye drawn to the rostrum across the back wall as all sorts of paraphernalia was loaded on board, even a small cannon! The well received UV scene, with some realistic jelly fish and the “Jaws” moment at the end, Robinson’s impressive island “hut”, a giant Easter Island statue, the huge cooking pot forming the background for “We Will Rock You”, and the delightful air-guitar solo!

With such a large cast, chorus, a wonderful mix of adults and youngsters, and dancers the director did magnificently to co-ordinate all the action and together with an expert choreographer and a band of talented musicians “cooked up” a great show! 

There were over 100 names in the programme, including, cast, back-stage crew, set builders, dressers, etc and it was clear that this had been a fantastic, and supportive “team” effort and a very happy ship! 

An excellent production all round, but the little pirates rather stole the show! Oh yes they did!

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.