SCROODE…..the Naughty Christmas Carol!

Some good performances in a re-imagined script, which was first seen around 15 years ago.  I felt there were some good parts, but that it was more a play with music, as I missed there not being a lot of audience participation, which is inherent in pantomime.  That said there were some very clever sequences but also a few questionable references that although it was ‘adult’ I was not sure about!  Perhaps a little too ‘woke’ - but that is just my perception.

Sets were fine, and I appreciated the tongue-in-cheek majoring on scene changes, and the use of Lynda Fagan the stage manager to create a number of funny moments.  Costumes were a little random, but colourful and suitable for each character.  Sound was good throughout, and lighting quite inventive, I liked the use of on-stage spots for certain scenes, and the spots with ‘twinkle’ effect shining out into the audience to cover stage movement (I don’t generally like spots shining in my face) but these were very effective!

The music was well-chosen, and there were good harmonies,  I felt the musical numbers were a little long, but some great arrangements overall.  Choreography suited the feel of the music and reflected the ability of the cast – I enjoyed the tap routine, such fun.

Laurence Simms created the rather nasty Rodney Scroode, musically good, and lots of slimy moments.

Richard Alexander was an amusing Dame – nicely costumed and very vocal.

I was very taken with Ben Jaggers diverse characters and the way he portrayed them in very different ways – very well done.

Vicky Wells, who appeared in three parts created distinct character profiles, which were great – Christmas Past was most notable, a departure from her usual role, and one she embraced with energy and enthusiasm. 

For me, Ben and Vicky were the stand-out cast members!

Allanah Rogers, Nico Whitney-Bamford and Chloe Whitney-Bamford created the “Cratchett” family well, and coped with some very complicated lines – particularly Chloe.

Joshua Thompson, Luke Walsh and Abbie Walsh all had good input into the proceedings, each coping with several character changes – good to see Luke with a speaking part, with Elly Farrar joining them in the ensemble numbers.

It was a surprise to see Katy Elliott in a cameo appearance - it wouldn’t be a Griffins adult panto without Lurch!

Many thanks for the Griffins hospitality, much appreciated, perhaps not their best adult panto, but nonetheless a good evening which the audience enjoyed

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