Sword in the Stone

Thank you once again for your kind welcome as always, your group take the effort to make the members of your audience get into a show feeling by having front of house dressed in appropriate attire. It was also great to see a full house on the afternoon we attended.

When attending a performance of a brand-new pantomime that has been written and directed in house you sit with anticipation as the story evolves. With the title ‘Sword in the Stone’ there was some perception that certain characters would be appearing and as the story progressed, we met them and additional ones which enhanced the tale. Nick Vale led the story forward with the addition of the inevitable pantomime puns/gags such as ‘don’t call me Shirley’ which went over the children’s heads and the action and audience participation loved by the children. It became clear that he obviously knew the Harry Potter and Star War stories as the references came throughout the show. I did like his comment in the programme about directing children, as a retired teacher, I understand!

The hall was set up with a curtained stage with steps to the auditorium with the expected sword set in an anvil in the centre of the hall draped around with camouflage netting. Either side of the stage were sets which were the homes of the main good and bad characters.

The backdrops worked well and all the additional scenery and props added to the performance. The stage crew worked quickly and quietly on-screen changes.

Morgana’s cave entrance looked dark and uninviting and Merlin’s room/library warm and inviting. As the performance moved on, we were treated to a deeper view of the cave when Morgana and her henchmen captured Gwyn.

The feeling in Merlin’s room was certainly more friendly with the various books and heraldic symbols but one of the best features which could be seen to frustrate Merlin was his ‘deaf ether’ what a great feature it’s link with more modern magical tales was inspirational and it was wonderful to see it join in in the finale!

The music, lighting and sound effects were well controlled from the back of the hall. The songs for the show were provided by taped music which was set at the correct level and the various lighting effects from lights set on bars centrally and at the side of the stage.

The chorus singing was tuneful with a good variety of different tunes and there were some outstanding solo numbers. The dance routines set by your choreographer were well rehearsed and those involved understood what was required of them.  

The costumes were all colourful, well-fitting and of the correct historical period. I especially like the detail on Merlin’s, Archimedes waistcoat and mask, the evil masks and the great touch of creating Morgana’s gown as a Devon flag a sure way to get audience disapproval. Time had obviously been taken to add appropriate details to the dames’ outfits and although I found it strange initially to have a dame without a variety of wigs it allowed the addition of extremely creative headwear, well done. The makeup used added to the overall effect created by the costumes.

I always appreciate that with the size of your hall you do not need to use microphones and the majority of your cast could be heard clearly therefore leading the story forward, it may be worth standing at the back of your hall during rehearsals just to teach and develop the projection and speed of delivery skills of some members on the stage.

The scene was set as often in a pantomime by an interaction between the two main magical characters. Morgana created a strong dismissive evil character; she delivered her lines clearly and controlled her minions with fear. Groblyn and Boglin did their best to comply with their masters wishes not always successfully. They portrayed their grimy parts well; I definitely think the masks added to their demeanour.

The experienced actor portraying Merlin was excellent his clear delivery showed his determination to ensure the rightful successor would be able to led the country.  Archimedes Merlin’s owl was created believably by another well-known player. His stance and manner certainly created an owl-like manner and he sang well.

The condescending manner of Sir Bedivere was well played by the member of your cast, he undoubtably was able to use his lines to antagonise his citizens. The Herald spoke clearly and carried out his appointed tasks.

It was great to see some younger members of your team take leading roles; I have witnessed some of them developed these skills in Karnon Kidz. What a wonderful resource to have in a group.

The young person playing Arthur did so with aplomb. The lines were delivered with conviction and the singing was fantastic such feeling for someone so young. His little ‘in size’ only sidekick Kevin was outstanding nothing fazed him. Every time he appeared on stage, he held the audience’s attention; every word could be heard and every action applauded.

Another strong partnership was Gwynevere and Flora. Both created believable characters, had good stage presence and clear speaking and expressive singing voices. The conflict between them was evident throughout and played for effect although you always felt that Gywn had the upper hand.

Your four knights all acquitted themselves well. They all conveyed their feelings about Arthur being below them all. Gawain and Percival spoke clearly but I feel that maybe Galahad could maybe slow his delivery a little to ensure all his text was heard. Lancelot always gives a strong performance and the duet with Arthur was great.

I would also like to mention the young lady who played the lawyer ensuring that no terms were used illegally. She did so with a clear voice, straight face and occasional shake of the head in fact I expected her to start pointing her finger to get her point across.  Just to prove ‘there are no small parts, only small actors’, this was played with total commitment. Many congratulations to all the above, keep developing your skills.

What can I say about the Lady of the Cake? Every entrance on the stage was memorable, every gag/pun double entendre used to its upmost, interaction with both those on stage and the audience on point, facial expressions brilliant and to top that she sang well. A truly top-notch job!

I would like to congratulate your whole team on a great show. I liked all the little additional features to a set pantomime like the fight with tinsel and party poppers. It was wonderful to see members of the chorus able to take on smaller parts with belief and I loved the joy on one of your younger players face during the finale. Many thanks for the invitation.

Disclaimer 

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

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  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. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.