Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing ‘PANTOMIME’
Information
- Date
- 7th February 2015
- Society
- Felton & Thirston Panto Society
- Venue
- Felton Village Hall. Northumberland
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Dave Price, Alison Rushby and Neal Skelton
- Choreographer
- Anne Raine and cast members
By the animated ‘BUZZ’ when I entered this small village hall, and the warm welcome I was given, I knew I was in for an evening of fun, laughter and amusement from beginning to end. I was not disappointed. This was an extremely small stage with very little working space in the wings, but the scenery was well constructed, colourful, and innovative, and there were lots of special effects. Props were convincing and realistic, and the ‘Canine Roles’ certainly were a speciality. Back stage crew who were manoeuvring everything were extremely slick and efficient. In particular, the scene in Professor Moriatry’s lab was intriguing, being so realistic with bottles bubbling and hissing. The addition of LED. Lights, both static and flashing, in the bottles and tubes was really clever. Well done to all who contributed in any way to this part of the production. Costumes made and supplied by the society were really good, bright and authentic, and it was obvious a lot of thought and hard work had been done in the designing and making of them for such diverse characters. Lighting and sound were also very effective and this all added to the creativity of this show.
The show opened with a rousing chorus number which was unique, but appropriate and set the scene for an evening solving the mystery of the ‘Missing Pantomime’. The script writers did well to introduce so many different pantomimes onto the stage through the famous detective ‘Sherlock Holmes’, played by Neal Skelton, who guided us through the show with his inimitable expertise and convincing characterisation of this well-loved figure. His side kick ‘Dr. Watson’, played by Sarah Walker, was well acted and certainly justified in her taking leave from the surgery! The evil ‘Professor Moriarty’, played by Bea Barnes, continuously kept us on our toes guessing what her next wicked trick would be to thwart and obliterate pantomimes from our culture, but as always good overcomes evil, and after appearing at every opportunity to kill off this wonderful tradition she was finally beaten.
It seemed that everyone one in this enthusiastic cast had a part, too many to mention individually other than they were all confident and suitably played their roles with gusto to much cheering from the audience who loved all the references made to local businesses and personalities. This is always a hit with any audience and in this case they loved it, especially when the local Vicar (whom I presumed was new) was pulled onto the stage to become involved, and where he showed what an extremely good sport he was. I think we were all relieved he was there and we were not chosen to be up there! Gordon Richardson, our NODA Regional Councillor was certainly
Earmarked, and appeared up there on one occasion!! Once again the youngsters were encouraged to do their bit, and they were all extremely well-rehearsed and competent in their various roles.
In particular the comedy duo was outrageous and hilarious. Dave Price and Dave Hindmarsh, playing ‘Hortensia’ and ‘Floribunda’,certainly knew how to milk the audience, and must have been exhausted at the end of the evening by making us laugh so much. A special mention must go to Melanie Hodkinson who played ‘Mrs Hudson’, the ‘tea lady’ (housekeeper) in Sherlock’s household. Everyone dreams of a little character role like this and she carried it out to perfection, having us in stiches with her hilarious interjections each time tea was needed to sooth and calm the somewhat chaotic situations on stage throughout the show.
The show finished with a really good chorus number with everyone joining in and the cast really did make the hall ‘ROCK’! I would love to have seen more of this singing during the show in a couple more, big chorus numbers. All the elements of a good pantomime were in this production, and congratulations must go to all involved in the evening, especially in giving us an insight into the very best of local village community life. In addition, I must add that I was very impressed with the humorous programme which despite not being like the huge glossy ones we have come to expect was, never the less excellent. This is a lovely warm and friendly society and I love coming to your shows and meeting you all. Here’s to next year. What on earth can you follow this one up with though Dave did mention maybe a traditional pantomime next year……watch this space!
© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.