The Enormous Turnip
Information
- Date
- 10th January 2025
- Society
- Bishop Auckland Theatre Society
- Venue
- Bishop Auckland Town Hall
- Type of Production
- Pantomime
- Director
- Matthew Harper
- Musical Director
- Ruth Stapleton
- Choreographer
- Suzanne Rainbow
- Written By
- Matthew Harper
Panto season remains in full swing, continuing with a wonderful trip to Bishop Auckland Theatre Society and their annual pantomime, this year titled “The Enormous Turnip”. Now I have to admit the title somewhat puzzled me, having not seen or heard of anything similar and as such I attended with some anticipation as to what was to come.
It’s always a lovely welcome at BATS usually with a bear hug from Judith on the way in and it was no exception this year. I loved the front of house welcome, the knitted vegetables in keeping with the theme and loved the programme sizes too, really neat for when you’re in the auditorium.
The programme educated me that “The Enormous Turnip” is a Russian fairy tale collected and published in 1865, and writes Matthew Harper, tells us he hadn’t thought much of the story after reading is as a child, but as an adult returned to the story and created the script we were presented with over twelve years!
Thus follows a quirky (albeit long!) story with traditional pantomime influences which the audiences of Bishop Auckland clearly enjoyed. The cast is very much inclusive which is very refreshing to see and so important for us all to embrace.
Casting was very well done, with writer and director Matthew appearing as Jack (loosely of the beanstalk variety) becoming Fuchsia Pink, the comedy dame played by Graham Rispin’s love interest. Ruth Stapleton played the baddie expertly, Queen Rasputia with some stunning vocal performances including the “Bad Romance” mega mix which is now living in my head rent free! There was a nod to the Snow Wite story with Queen Rasputia being determined to foil the romance of her son Prince Charming played by Dylan Bamber, with the daughter of Fuchsia Pink, Delphinium played beautifully by Holly Wake. One of the two pairs of funny characters, Muddles and Lettice were payed by Kayleigh Wood and Emma Westwood respectively who kept the audience entertained with their antics. Queen Rasputia’s henchmen, Pea and Pod were played by Michelle Longstaff and Sharon Cook respectively and the good Fairy who, with a nod to the Aladdin story, escaped the magic mirror only to become trapped in a watering can, was played by Amanda Stewart looking just the part on stage. Grace Bonallie played the titular Big Turnip and her brilliant eye rolls needed a performance of their own. The bear was played by Nick Robson and an incredibly cute little Bear played by Rhian Bernil-Buck. Ensemble, dancers and minions were played by Belle Stainthorpe, Jorgia Pattinson, Brooke Henderson, Harriett Close, Darcie Bonallie, Suzanne Rainbow, Charlotte Walton, James Longstaff and Laura Armstong.
Well done to the rest of the production team supporting Matthew as director, being Suzanne Rainbow with choreography, Brenna Finn as assistant director/costumes and stage management, Ruth Stapleton as Musical Director, Graham Rispin with the set, Jan Wilby assisting with costuming, plus the front of house and technical teams.
Well done all of you. Team work makes the dream work and you guys most certainly make the dream work. Great energy and a lovely night of family fun.
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