The King's Jewels

It was a pleasure to attend the opening night of this year’s Florians panto, written by company stalwart Nicholas Nicol, on this it’s third outing having been first produced in 1996, then again in 2006 and now nearly 30 years on from it’s inception. The story tells of the abduction of the King’s jewels – his three daughters Emerald, Ruby and Pearl – by an evil sorceress and how they are rescued by members of the court and thus proving that good always triumphs over evil! Leading the events was Nicholas Nicol’s excellent Dame Hester Fidget, Mistress of the Robes – a true Lady High Everything Else – in her beautifully made frocks and with a biting wit. She had an eye for the men but especially Steven Kelly’s strongly played Lord Chamberlain Sir Sidney Sidcup. Comedy was in the safe hands of Watta Fidget the quick witted Court Jester, played by Alan Graham, and the none to bright Lord Pritt Stick, played by Ashley Taylor. These made a fine comic pairing engendering lots of laughter from the full house audience. At the opposite end of the spectrum Fiona Goss as the Supreme Sorceress Hazel Teen and Andy Pyott as the King’s envious brother Duke Evo of Stick made a truly boo-able pairing as they plotted, kidnapped and held to ransom the three young women. Level-headed Princess Ruby, who held a secret passion for Watta the Jester, was well played by Katie Mitchell whilst in contrast Lynn Taylor played the ditzy, bubblegum loving Princess Pearl with obvious glee. The third abductee turned out not to be Princess Emerald but her maid Jenny, played by Aimee Ironside, standing in so her mistress could have a secret love tryst. The real Princess Emerald, played beautifully by Michelle Newell, was meantime meeting her paramour Adam (the son of the Lord High Chamberlain) thigh slappingly played by Fiona McDonald. They made a believable pairing and their duets were a delight. Strong support was given by Brian Howlett (King Fabian), Morag Barron (Queen Fabia), Polyanna Newell (The Grump, Hazel’s Familiar), Corey Jay Larnach (Soldier/ Prince Garnet (Fabian’s long lost son)) and Adam Bodie (Court Herald). The large ensemble of courtiers and orphans sang and moved well, as did the principals, to songs based on music from “Annie” to “West Side Story” via Tom Jones’s “Delilah”. Costuming was excellent – bright and bold and appropriate to each character. The set too was good - kept simple so there was room on the small stage for all in the ensemble numbers – with atmospheric lighting. Congratulations to all at The Florians on delivering another superb pantomime.

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