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The King's Birthday

Author: David Brammer

Information

Date
17th January 2025
Society
Horning Amateur Theatrical Society
Venue
Horning Village Hall
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Josh Cook
Musical Director
Holly Hancock
Choreographer
Aydan Birkett and Lin Galley
Producer
Scott Meacock
Written By
Scott Meacock

There is normally a King in most pantos, but this one was to celebrate the birthday of Elvis Presley, “The King”, who would have been 90 on 8th January. Elvis fan Scott Meacock cleverly hand-scripted a panto that incorporated many of Elvis’ hits, along with a few other well-known tunes. The set design (Cliff Knight and Christine Charles), lighting (Richard Clayton and Robin Paskins) and costumes (Lucy Meacock), were good ( so many Elvis 70’s sequined jumpsuits), all setting the scene for a very enjoyable production, supported by a good 3-piece orchestra (Holly Hancock, Josh Rowe and Reuben Smy).

This was a fun show full of lovely moments. It was great to see the “Junior Chorus”, having a fantastic time and lighting up the stage every time they came on with their smiles and joy to be on the stage. In particular, when they marched on as soldiers, only to be ordered off and replaced by soldiers of a more senior age, marching off again with the audience’s sympathy. Congratulations to Alfie Cook, Josie Harber, Sophia Lake, Kira Harber, Isabella Lake and Rosa Richardson.

As the Fairy Rock Mother, Julie Barker had good rapport with the audience, and was a good foil for the baddy of the show Colonel Mustard-Robin Baines in this role was hilarious throughout and had the audience in fits of laughter, especially in Act Two. Matthew Grapes, as Sargeant Sidekick, came out with some very quick witted and dry responses to any slight mishaps. Marion Jackson as the Town Crier (literally), was another piece of clever script. Derek Ayley as the Shoemaker was also dead pan and effective. A very good pairing was Why Sister (Pam Facey), and What Sister (Lynette Foreman). Every time onstage, their mannerisms and responses were pinpoint and panto perfect.

Aydan Birkett was excellent as Elvis, and I noticed nice choreography that he had set involving everyone-Aydan really took off in Act 2 producing some great energetic moments, vocals and comic timing. Michelle Lake, as Eve, Colonel Mustard, and Sargeant Sidekick delivered lines using former favourite chocolate bars, and at the same time bringing out the wrappers-this was a very well executed piece of comedy. I remembered most of the chocolate bars, but one, (like Sidekick), I had never heard of.

Annie Swain, as Dame Hukka Love, delivered a hugely impressive performance, the interactions with the audience and facial reactions throughout were a highlight. Annie drove the show at pace and took the audience with her.

This was a panto that involved very young performers and adults all working together. I loved the moment when the whole company including the children performed a number using sign language, to Elvis’s “The Wonder of You”. Secretary Anne Wagstaff tells me that the group had supported a group called “No Limits”, who give persons with disabilities experiences in dance and singing. Apparently on the Saturday some members of “No Limits” joined the cast on stage for this number, creating a very special moment.

Everyone on stage was having a ball, and Director Josh Cook, and writer Scott Meacock, should both be very pleased with the resulting success. I am sure Scott will already be busy thinking of the next subject that he can form the basis of a panto on.

 

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