The Pied Piper

This pantomime was a first for me - we have all heard of the tale of the Pied Piper and the rats, in fact, I was a 'rat' in a school play many years ago and the story is forever fascinating. This panto, written cleverly by Alan Frayne, brought all the elements of the original story (and subsequent poem by Robert Browning) and entwined them with traditional panto fun and some classic 'double-entendres' - Dame Helga Von Trump (maybe a distant relative of Donald?) and her silly Willie son, fronted the comedy, with Good Fairy Strudel and evil Sour Kraut giving us plenty to boo and hiss at! Leading the naughty little rats was a grown-up Rat-Worst, who delivered some excellent put-down dialogue, amusing the adults and children alike. A panicked Burgomeister, along with Hans and Heidi, gave assured cameo roles. All the principals delivered very good performances, helped by an adult and junior chorus, the latter having to cope with some very quick changes - this is all good training for future shows! The Director, Elaine Mc Aleese, had worked hard on her cast to make full use of this very small stage, with some pleasant singing, as usual in the care of Brenda Knowles, assisted by Kate Dixon. Choreographers Lynne Hill and Sarah Kearsley were thoughtful in not over-choreographing in the playing area. I liked the idea of Pippin, the Pied Piper, coming down the central aisle of the auditorium as he spirited away the rats and (nearly!) the children - audiences love to feel involved! As always, great care had been taken with costumes, wigs and make up - the set fitted in perfectly and I loved the 'river' created from bolts of bluey-green fabric - the 'rats' drowned most effectively!! Garforth Musical Society are a great team - as with many community groups, families and friends get involved and this is reflected by the warm atmosphere of their productions, from front-of-house, lighting, sound, cast and backstage, not forgetting Brenda the pianist and Ben on drums! A fine pantomime, well received by an appreciative audience. 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.