The Woodies

I always look forward to the pantomime presented each January by Woodlands Theatrical Society.  I also enjoy a good concert.  So this show, built around a mythical awards presentation event, in which The Woodies (think “Oscars”) are distributed, was sure to keep me entertained.  At the same time, it was an opportunity to look back at various productions presented by the company over past years. 
 
It was good to see many of the performers, seen regularly at the annual pantomime, stepping out of their traditional characters, to entertain us either as presenters of awards or recipients.  Whilst I don't know every member of the cast by name, there were numerous familiar faces in unfamiliar guise.  The main award presenter was Pamela Alderson, usually see as a Fairy Godmother or in a similar role.  In addition to her presentation responsibilities, Pamela also sang several songs, solo and in company.  Gareth Graham, often a villain in the pantomime, took on a more friendly guise, performing several numbers throughout the proceedings.  Similarly, Malcolm Alderson forsook his usual pantomime dame outfit, to add several numbers to the event.  Both gentlemen were very smart in their dinner suits, as both presenters and performers.  Other familiar names and faces included Carla Dupree, Chantel Dupree, Ruano Sutton plus several less familiar faces who willingly accepted any award on offer, as it gave them an opportunity to sing. 

I also need to mention the dance school which always adds to the appeal of the Woodlands pantomime.  In the past this has been the Marian Lane School of Theatre Dance but, more recently (and this evening), The Nicola Gauld School of Dance did the honours. As ever, the young people concerned added considerable charm to the proceedings, whenever they took to the stage.  Not forgetting less obvious contributors on lighting (Mike Austin, Dave Janes and Joe Skeet) and sound (Ian Shaw); and last, but not least, the orchestra, comprising John Hopkinson, his piano and trusty drummer who kept the whole evening moving along at a lively pace!

Assuming all were present this particular evening, the programme identified 56 performers involved in the show, 20 in the presenting/singing cast and 36 from the dance school.  Quite an ensemble, who probably kept stage manager Martin Gibson quite busy.  All on stage fully deserved the appreciative applause they received throughout.  An enjoyable evening in friendly surroundings, at individual tables with bar service, tea, coffee and snacks available before the show and during the interval, which all added to the entertainment.

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