Romeo and Juliet the Panto

This was an extremely brave decision to adapt the historically world famous and probably best known work of the Bard William Shakespeare, into a Pantomime, but I think Jeff Knott and Phil Ward did a pretty good job, managing to incorporate most of the traditional panto elements. We received a warm welcome from the Front of House Team of Barbara Cawdell, Sue Ward and Lynette Grantham. As usual at Catworth, the small stage and limited wing space, makes it very difficult to scene change, but with the ingenious use of a nicely painted book leaf box set and minimal props by Clare O’Callaghan, this was achieved very well, complimented with good Lighting by Laura Knott, Kieran Wilson and Andrew Moore. Costumes by Janet Button, Rowena Hofbauer, Cynthia Church and Sheila Small, were excellent along with makeup by Harriet Hambly. Music was provided by Gerald Ward and Steve Kay. The script stayed pretty close to the original with a twist at the end to ensure a happy ending. Our Narrator for the evening was pleasantly performed by Pippa Ellson. Jeff Knott as Romeo was very good, playing opposite the very lovely Ruth Murphy, who has a beautiful singing voice as demonstrated in her solo “If Your Not the One“. Anne Allured as Mrs. Montague was suitably snobbish, and Dick Beeby, who unfortunately did struggle with his lines, was redeemed by his fabulous singing voice, in his rendition of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” . Eve Daniel was very effective as Tybalt against Helen Murphy as his foil Benvolio. Steve Kay was very funny as the Vicar who, as well as popping up throughout the panto, was also present on the Guitar. Jayne Kaye as Capt. James Dreadbeard was terrific, with Sarah Pepper as the almost silent sidekick, Blind-Eye Joe. The funniest part of the show came from the random inclusion of Ugly Sisters Courtney and Latoya, played hilariously by Scott Millington and Nick Grantham. All in all this was a real crowd pleaser of a show.

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