The Good, The Bad and The Dame

Behind every village panto are dedicated people willing to give up their free time to produce and sometimes even write, as well as act in, an annual pantomime to bring seasonal sparkle to their community.  The end product may be full of fun and laughter, but the time and effort and sheer hard work involved in bringing these home grown productions to the stage should never be underestimated.

At Clavering Players, once again, father and daughter team, Matt and Megan Elliston had come up with the storyline and penned the script.  But it didn’t stop there, with Megan taking the lead in directing as well as working on some of the choreography and taking a leading role as Deputy Dan. Matt, as well as assisting with directing, took on the role of Dame Dolly Pharton who runs the local saloon. This was a good traditional pantomime Dame and I lost count of the number of amazing outfits he had. This year we are in cowboy country in a little backwater known as Clavering Creek!

Most people would agree that a panto needs a fairy.  But how do you portray this character in a modern panto set in small town America?  You turn her into a cactus of course! Well done to Sarah-Jane O’Brien as Goldie, her green fairy costume topped with a green tee announcing that she was indeed a cactus,

Andrew Brown as Sneaky Sid connected well with the audience as did his partner in crime Sinister Sally played by Clare Fuller.  Good performances from Holli Thomas as Bessie Lou and Jamey Benson as Buckeroo Bob and well done to Olivia Abrahams as Cassidy.  Darren Abrahams was Captain Coral.  Having joined the cast only two weeks before opening night he did well to only glance at his script a few times.

It was lovely to see so many children in the cast, all of whom had immersed themselves into their roles and were obviously really enjoying taking part.  Lines had been learnt as had dance moves which were very well carried out. I hope they all continue to enjoy performing. This must surely bode well for the future of the society.

Many of the best elements of panto were present including the ghost in the woods and the community sing-a-long.  Unfortunately the bottom half of the board displaying the words to this was hidden from view in the third row.  Perhaps some way of elevating the board could be found. An easel with a stick pointing to the words may be old fashioned but it usually works.

All principals and those in supporting roles worked really hard and from the beginning the audience, at this final performance, were obviously having a great time with the young and not so young showing their appreciation.

The production was well costumed. Expert rigging ensured the lighting and effects were of a very high standard. 

This was a very enjoyable production.  Thank you for inviting me and for your hospitality.

 

 

 

 

 

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