The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Opening with 'Walking on Sunshine' was a lively enough number, bringing the cast to the stage with brightness and joy in mind. It's always important to get this right since there is no second chance especially with younger members in the audience who can be very critical. It was encouraging to see that all principles took their roles responsively and endeavored to do the best they could. I liked the set and what the team was able to constructively achieve within the confines of the performance area. The raised platform (bandstand) and market stalls for example, later the door and window frame staged managed correctly and efficiently. The scenery was well appreciated, contained colour and interest in all scenes. The details were especially important for me, may have been overlooked by some of the audience but without, for example the book SR, scenery can be lost in obscurity but thankfully not in this instance. The costumes were lovely and refreshingly different in places. Resources can be a limiting factor but the visuality of the principles, chorus, rat-pack and alike were engaging for the eye to see. The make-up and wigs complimented and created the right wardrobe for all performers, even appropriate footwear as far as I noticed. I could see thought had been put into the costumes, Simple Simon and Polly had matching outfits, the Dame different dresses and the finale with a themed colour, all which makes panto special. I was very pleased to have stood in for Janet and I wish you well for your future productions. You’ve worked hard at what you have and will continue I’m sure. It takes a lot of commitment from a whole lot of people, back stage, front-of-house, who may not even get a mention in the program but the society and the individuals know who they are, a real community production.

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