Three Blonde Mice

his company can always be relied upon to put their very own stamp on their annual pantomime, and
this year was no exception, but with the traditional elements of panto still included!
As the curtains opened, we were introduced straight away to three young mice and a patter of clever
jokes set the “taste” for what was to come, their rendition of We are Family was well sung.
It became evident from a loud and angry conversation off stage that the town had a massive problem
with mice and that someone was very much intent on ensuring their demise! Oh yes they were!
Set against an attractive backdrop reminiscent of the rolling countryside around the town the plot
centred around the adventures of three decidedly “grown-up” mice , Faye, Enor and Venny as they
endeavoured to evade the clutches of the dastardly Dame Molly.
As the story unfolded and the characters introduced it became clear that the principal roles had been
cleverly augmented by plenty “extras”! This gave great opportunity for other adults in the company to
play “meatier” roles and perhaps have more involvement than just “chorus,” and also gave the
youngsters plenty of moments to “shine” and “showcase” their talents.
Packed with plenty of “word play” with particular emphasis on “cheese puns”, the action followed the
central trio as they “Caerphilly” made (Edam) their escape setting their sights on the “Cathedral City”,
having been inadvertently transformed into mature adult sized mice, complete with dresses and
individual blond wigs!
In the title roles the three performers certainly brought their individual personalities to the stage and
were well partnered by a variety of cats who showed up from other pantos and became smitten with
them along the way. Again, the individual characters of the cats were well portrayed with Puss-in-Boots
particularly showing a strong stage presence.
There were running jokes throughout the piece as other various characters from more traditional
pantomimes came and went.
Dick Whittington made a convincing aging “hippie ever plagued to “turn again” at any mention of
movement. Jack of Beanstalk fame, also played a forceful Zookeeper, ever chasing a delightful baby
elephant who appeared “behind you” at the mention of anything “elegant”, “element “ or similarly
“elephantine”!
Of course, there were two contrasting “ugly” sisters, Molly, and Kitty, both well played in traditional style
as “blokes in frocks”, with striking make-up and costumes.
In this production Molly was very much the villain of the piece, determined to rid the countryside of
vermin, and was well supported by her more charming sister and diffident daughter Fifi,

Dame Molly was certainly not backward in coming forward to show “her” aggression and playing a
“baddie” this time seemed to enable the performer to retain more of a “manly” voice than in previous
productions where the “falsetto” was not always easy on the ear! The discovery of her long-lost
recalcitrant husband towards the end made for some brilliant “business” with Bert giving a slightly
surreal but a very entertaining performance, and the glitzy nightclub scene was tremendous fun!
Completing the cast, and again popping in and out throughout and stopping the action from time to
time were, a resolute Fairy Godmother who of course ensured a happy ending, a steadfast Stage
Manager explaining the practicalities of what was possible and a pair of “jobs worth” Elf & Safety
executives who endeavoured to spoil the fun! All these roles were sincerely and believably played.
With no adult chorus several teams of enchanting youngsters complemented the cast as mice, cats,
chives, pixies, and beans, all in eye-catching and appropriate costumes.
Suitable accompaniment, and amusing ripostes, were provided by the five-piece band set to the side at
the front of the hall, each wearing their individual choice of headgear – a nice touch!
This panto seemed very much to have been written specifically with individual performers in mind, and
certainly gave everyone a strong character to get to grips with and plenty to do.
On occasion some scenes felt just a tad long, and while the running gags between the scenes for the
most part worked well perhaps the rule of three might be a good one to remember and avoid over-
playing the joke. Small points in what was overall a lovely show.
With colourful costumes, strong performances, lively music, plenty of audience participation, and a real
community feel, this “cracker barrel” of laughs was very warmly received by the first night audience.
Oh yes it was! Well done!
‘Tricia Barclay

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what they see at the
performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the
performance, and it is inevitable that their assessment will be affected by that knowledge.
The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall
production and in particular the performance viewed.  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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