THUMBS UP: TOM, LINA AND THE FELTONWITH CUCKOOS

This was my first visit to Felton and Thirston, as well as my first ‘Village Hall’ Panto. I certainly hope it is not my last in both cases.

What this splendid company lacked in theatrical facilities, they more than made up for in dedication and a drive to succeed. As Chris Jones their author and director says in his programme notes – ‘there’s beauty and madness’ in their productions. I agree totally – but leaning more towards the former than the latter. The beauty of pantomime is that no matter how big or small the budget, it is the creation of joy and the feel-good factor shared by both the audience and those on stage. ‘… and that, folks, is why we do it’.

I did find a little madness in Chris’s script… the threatened closure of the local school due to a lack of people having children… followed by sudden immaculate pregnancies… kids revolting at the fact they would have to travel to Swarland to go to school !… and to top it all off, our very wicked witch and her henchmen (or women) trying to blow up the bridge over the river in the village, all served to cement the madness tendency. The beauty was the excellent cast who made all of the above credible… and that was what we in the audience believed… oh yes it was !.

There were some stellar performances. Wilhelmina the Witch; beautifully overplayed by Felicity Andrews (see you in the Northumberland Arms sometime !!) and I do hope your voice lasted until the end of the run. Our director Chris Jones in the role of Dame Dolly Dumpling; a superb portrayal; the poetic Danny Crier (Eastenders lookalike) nicely played by Dave Francis. Ably supported by Jackie Hale, Libby Taylor, Don Allan, Ellie Owen, Julia Butlin, Shar Cannon, Ruby Slavin and a cracking chorus of children far too many to mention, but who were all excellent.

The colourful backcloths and stage props were very well managed by Martin Downing and the crew; nicely and seamlessly done. Furthermore, a big handshake to the lighting and sound team of Ed and Joseph Butlin.

This was a colourfully costumed show, with ingenuity and sparkle, so congratulations to the costume team of Teresa McQuade, Joan Downing and Fiona T Jones for their efforts.

Immediate Past President Gordon and myself had a superb night’s entertainment.

Many thanks for the invitation and to Grace Aynsley for looking after us – roll on next year.

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