The Pied Piper of Hamelin

It was great to be warmly welcomed to your Pied Piper pantomime on a cold January Sunday afternoon. The front of house team was attired with a variety of Bavarian headwear and members of the audience enthusiastically waiting to take their seats.

When we sat in the hall we were met with a curtained stage with two sets of steps down to the hall. There was a large, angular, grey structure stage right with curtains draped over it. There were what appeared to be cracks drawn on the front and a rectangular shape with isosceles trapezoids around it. This was very cleverly constructed, opened and used as the entrance to the cave later on. In front of the cave there were a ‘Bat the Rat’ game on a barrow and the other side on the stage a ‘Rat Run’. On stage to the left on an apron there were two bush like structures. When the curtain opened, we were greeted with a detailed painted village backdrop with a decorated hanging sign explaining we were at the ‘Hamelin Midsummer Festival’, additional signage showed where the ‘Beer Tent’ and ‘Cake Tent’ could be found. Tabs were used for other various scenes.

Both the large and personal props used during the show were well constructed and used effectively by the cast members. I was at one point concerned that someone might accidently end up in the bin.

The lighting was set on bars and well used to enhance the scenes. The children’s dance behind the gauze was particularly effective. The speakers set both sides of the stage were set at an appropriate level so the cast could hear and the audience were not deafened. The sound and lighting effects used during the performance were on point and certainly made the audience react. I realise I am going to repeat myself with this comment but it is great to see that your cast have been instructed from a young age the skill of voice projection ensuring there were no incidents with mics.

You have a skilled costume team and all the costumes were well fitting and created a wonderful Alpine theme with Dirndl blouses, bodices, aprons and flowered headbands for the female characters and Lederhosen with shirts and Bavarian hats for the male players. Mercedes looked ideal in a variety of bright well-fitting clothing which enhanced her character, I especially liked her climbing gear. Major and Minor uniforms added to their forces feel, although I would have liked to see Minor’s hair tied back. The large cape completely covered the Emissary’s more well to do clothing. Your baddie Otto certainly looked the part in his cutaway jacket, breeches and waistcoat and I liked the fact that his side kicks Klipp and Kutt were alike but had their own colour palette. The Piper’s costume with all its colours and Robin Hood hat made him stand out. Additional items like the high viz jackets and capes added detail and the rats, soldiers and yeti looked great. It was good to see that time had been taken to ensure footwear had been considered to complete outfits.

Your choreographers had used your playing place well. All the dances had been taught carefully and the members of your cast perfected the movement. It was also lovely to see those on stage smiling.

The variety of musical numbers delivered today was eclectic many of which were well known and I could hear the audience singing along. Your Musical Director had ensured that those singing were well practised and lyrics could be heard.

I understand from your director that the script chosen for this year’s pantomime had been adapted from a previous one. It certainly had the main elements of the known story of the ‘Pied Piper’ and as the programme said many of the traditional pantomime favourites. She had obviously given clear direction to all and the additional elements she included added to the story including the election and the children’s dance.

The first cast members we were introduced to were Hans and Tom. They were the ‘Recycling Operatives’ for the village and we found out that Hans had been placed in bin when a baby, therefore they seemed destined to have the job.

Hans was an ideal leading male character. ‘He’ created an upright, open manner with a wonderful clear vocal manner, moved well and had a lovely singing voice. His interaction with other cast members was great and Daisy and ‘him’ were a powerful pair.

His partner was Tom who was the ‘audience friend’ and ensured they didn’t forget to react when he entered. Your player was brilliant, ‘he’ was animated, spoke clearly, moved well and sang tunefully. ‘He’ made sure the tale moved along.

The young lady portraying Billie positioned herself with purpose on the stage and spoke and sang clearly. She spent time with the others and brilliant showed her disappointment when she was not taken into the cave by the piper and was alone in the village.

Hans love interest Daisy looked beautiful in her costume. She obviously thought the world of Hans but as Mayor Otto’s daughter had to be aware of her father’s expectations of her. She was able to depict both sides of her character, clearly stating her case and eventually ending up with her love after the unexpected revelation about Hans birthright.

Mercedes arrived on stage resplendent in red and white gingham with a red apron and long ginger wig and explained that she was running for mayor although her campaign was lacking.   She needed to be focused and encouraged to keep on target especially when pursued by Otto. A lovely traditional dame with clear delivery, cheeky asides and a good singing voice.

The next player to arrive did so in a powerful manner. He was the top dog in Hamelin and no one was going to challenge him.  Mayor Otto always had his own way and everyone did what he said whether by fair means or fowl. Your player had a commanding stance and stentorian voice. He delivered his lines with force and took no prisoners.  His asides in a Trump voice with cap’s slogan ‘Hamelin great again’ played on world issues and ‘Looking for Trouble’ and ‘Don’t Stop me Now’ were well sung with a false microphone.

Klipp and Kutt were the mayor’s men and followed his rules to the letter. Your actors created very different characters. Klipp brightly dressed in yellow had a peculiar walk, round glasses and hand clasping manner. ‘He’ believed he was in charge, bossed Kutt around continually and bowed down to Otto’s every time. Kutt was attired in darker colours and was the butt of all Klipp’s schemes. ‘He’ had some wonderful expressions and I’m surprised that he wasn’t hurt when involved in the physical activities. Great team.

The Old Man/Emissary was depicted clearly by your seasoned performer. He spoke clearly even when dismissed by Otto. It was lovely to see him reunited with his son at the end the only person who had helped him earlier in the show.

Events were getting out of hand in Hamelin; rats were everywhere and the mayor was given a way out my a very strange person adorned in a multicoloured costume piping an enticing tune. Otto of course agreed and the deed was done the leather clad rats were dispatched but once the deed was completed, he refused to pay and the inevitable happened, all the children were tempted away.  The portrayal of the character was excellent; she clearly explained her conditions and the consequences to the mayor.

The last two named players were Major Incident who definitely looked the part, spoke with authority but was very confused when delivery orders. Luckily Minor Incident might have been his subordinate but was able to carry out orders and control the other troops with ease.

As a group you are lucky to have members in the ensemble aged between 10 and 80 who were happy to take on smaller parts and they spoke with clarity. I would like to say well done to the messenger who read the scroll and all those others with text.  You created an interesting tale with a variety of well-rounded players, with many ups and downs but as a pantomime should a happy ending.

Many thanks as always for an excellent afternoon’s entertainment and for inviting our National President along to the performance.

Disclaimer 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance and it is inevitable that his assessment will be affected by that knowledge. 

The NODA Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular, the performance.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre. 

 It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

 

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