Sword in the Stone 2- The Sequel - The Panto

Thank you as always for the lovely welcome I receive when attending a performance with your society.

I was curious when I found out the title of the pantomime you were producing as to which characters would be included in the script and where did the ‘2’ come in the story?  It was also interesting to find out that a new member of your team had taken on the task of writing the story. Mind this young man did a grand job in the last show and had a well known family connection within your group!

The empty stage was set with steps to the hall. There was a small platform on the left with curtains with a selection of props on it and a spell written on hanging banners. As the story progressed it became apparent why these were required.

The backdrops used during the performance were all good and portrayed the throne room of Arthur’s castle with its pennants which included the St Piran’s flag, Tintagel Village, campsite and the cave. The side flats added detail and the additional scenery and props used added to the story. I especially liked the detail on Arthur’s throne.

The sound and lighting were set correctly and as usual well controlled from the back of the hall.

The songs used during the show were delightfully wide ranging and well-practiced and delivered, some I had not heard before and it was great to research them a little more. I would particularly like to mention Morgan le Fey evil performance of ‘Don’t you want to be Evil Like Me’, Mordred’s fantastically presented ‘Poison’ by Alice Cooper and the heart rending ‘Father and Son’ by Arthur and Modred.

The dance routines varied from traditional to modern and were well rehearsed and presented by those involved.

All the members of the cast were well dressed and it was interesting to see a combination of modern and period clothing. Although sometimes this doesn’t add to the story, I think Mordred and the legendary Knights of Camelot boy band enhanced the story. The green demons added to the menace in the cave.

When the action began, we were greeted by a raging storm and an actor dressed in modern clothes with a leather jacket; I did wonder if black eyeliner would have added to the over all menace; who very powerfully delivered his first speech explaining that he was Mordred and explaining his dissatisfaction with his father Arthur, this was a very forceful start to the tale and we realised why we were in a sequel.

Merlin who was appropriately clothed with a long cloak, hat, flowing white hair and a staff appeared on the platform and proceeded to narrate the story and explained how the audience would have to assist him with the task of defeating the evil forces and find Excalibur. His stance was correct and he spoke and sang clearly.

We meet Arthur, still dressed in his royal garments, but soon realise that he is in conflict with Mordred who feels it is time for him to reign with he thinks the assistance of the resurrected evil Morgan le Fey. It becomes obvious she is the power behind Modred and has her own designs on the throne and they take Arthur prisoner. The actor paying Arthur gave a thoughtful performance pleading with his son throughout, you could feel his longing to have his son back and recreate the family unit with Guinevere.

The evil sorceress was suitably attired in purple and black with long dark hair and impressive make up. She carried with her a staff with a globe on top which did occasionally changed colour. It was great to see this lady in a different part but what a convincing job she did, I wouldn’t want to cross her!

Following the highly charged negative powers in the story it was great to meet Soggy ‘The Lady of the Lake’ whose costume proved she had appeared to have just come out of many a Cornish Pond with cans and seaweed with the addition of a mask, googles and a lobster on her head. She was portrayed as a slightly dotty character with good intent who was determined to help address the problems in the land.

The curtains then opened to a village scene with a painted backdrop, Soggy joined the other members of your company in Tintagel Village in a simple routine in which they certainly helped her in the singing! All those on stage knew what was expected of them and were animated. 

The young actor playing Guinevere did a sterling performance as an outraged young woman who was determined to oust her brother and get her father back in his rightful place on the throne. She created a strong character with attitude, spoke clearly and sang beautifully. Her soulful performance of ’What becomes of the broken hearted’ was heart-breaking.

Dwain and Gwain bounced off each throughout the show, they delighted as Laurel and Hardy and their run around routine certainly had the audience laughing out loud.

The introduction of the boy band of Lance, Percival and Galahad all dressed the same as the ‘Knights of Camelot’ seemed to be the answer to Guinevere’s prayer but we always know that things aren’t that easy! The three members of the group played their parts well, looked right and moved well. Lance came across an individual with an arrogant attitude who always got what he wanted, he expected Guinevere to fall at his feet and was surprised when she resisted. He delivered his lines clearly and moved and sang with energy. Percival tried to be the voice of reason and had a good voice and knew the steps. Galahad was a little quieter, knew all the text but appeared to have a few tuning issues at one point. They collectively created a believable boy band out on tour.

Your last-named member of your cast was the transformed Excalibur. She may only have been little but she was word perfect and said her words with feeling, a great step to larger parts I feel.

I would like to congratulate your director on his first pantomime script which was an ideal length. The first half had good pace and the characters led the story along I did feel it lost a little of its momentum in the second half but what a great way to develop a skill, Onward to the next one!

This pantomime did what you expected with King Arthur with a Celtic accent a little further north than expected. It took on a journey between the forces of good and evil through many different paths and many different emotions to a successful outcome at the end.

You may be a small group but it is always great to see all of your members total commitment to deliver a positive experience of live theatre to your audience. Many congratulations to all your team both on and off stage.

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.

 

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