Sheer Luck Holmes

This is a pantomime I have never seen before, and I wasn't disappointed as it had all the elements I would expect from a more traditional panto. 

The comedy duo of 2 policemen were first on stage, and they promptly set a good pace, as did the Sergeant upon his arrival. They introduced themselves as 'Arthur, Cone and Oil', played by Kathryn LLewellyn, Maree Gaskin & Linda Coley respectively, in what was the first joke of a script riddled with similar puns. In order to make such puns work, you need excellent timing and delivery, and this was definitely something that these actors had worked on. As a result, they got many laughs out of the script. 

The front curtains opened onto a back street in old London Town. The first chorus number was energetically performed, with plenty of smiles and confidence and it was lovely to see this carried on throughout the show.  

There were some good directorial touches including in Act 1, the dog in the James Bond spoof scene using a bone for a gun was a clever idea. Sheer Luck Holmes (Ross Longman) and Baskerville the dog (Linzi Robertson) reading magazines was another lovely little touch. The scene in Act 2 involving the creation of the pictures using Holmes, Dottie Watson (Kate Webb) & Baskerville was well done, and the swapping of bits of costume when they fell over was clever and seamlessly performed. 

Mary Arty (Stephanie Phipps) was well played with the audience booing her entrances and great support was provided by her evil accomplice Hudson (Mike Robertson). Wendy Watson (Charlotte Rayne) and Prince Hugo (Trevor Bavin) played their parts well, being kidnapped, rescued and falling in love by the end.  

Scene changes were well done. This, together with the energetic entrances and exits of the performers, particularly the policemen, created a good pace throughout. Additional support during the show was provided by the chorus. Lighting was appropriate and sound effects well-timed. Costumes and wigs were nicely made and well fitting, and the burglar outfits in Act 2 were especially nice. 

This pantomime was performed with great conviction and good humour by the whole cast, which made it enjoyable to watch. Thank you for the invitation to a lovely night's entertainment. 

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