TREASURE ISLAND

It was good to see a different pantomime, with a diverse storyline, which included pirates, WI ladies and the main Treasure Island characters.  I thought the programme was excellent, easy to read in the venue and full of interesting and amusing facts – very well done.

The technical aspect of this production was excellent – we had back projections which really set the scene, a moving ship, which was a real coup, a crow’s nest and a parrot puppet – all of which really enhanced the production. 

Lighting was effective, a slightly slow spot at times, but it’s panto!!  Sound was mostly good, but the balance between voice and band was sometimes a little suspect, however, that said, it was great to have a live band which again boosted the production.  Music was well-chosen and was kept short and snappy.  I would have liked a big ensemble number at the start of the show, to get the audience totally involved, but I appreciate that is sometimes difficult with the script.  The cast all coped with their movement well, as all capabilities were catered for.

Costumes were suitable and worn well.

Mark Coltman narrated the show, with some witty asides.  I enjoyed the family dynamics – Rob Kirk as Mrs Hawkins, a lively Dame, well-costumed a very comely shape(!) and a variety of wigs to ring the changes, with Alice Regan as Jim, a good principal boy with lots of attitude.  Then we had Clive Crowther as Squire Trelawney, a nicely judged portrayal, with Katherine O’Sullivan as his wayward daughter Jenny, I liked their slightly edgy relationship.

Becky Vernon-Clinch was a full-on Long Jane Silver, which gave a different perspective to the story, very well-played.  Her pirates, Seadog Gwen and Seaweed Willy were striking characters, given life by Andrea Clare and David Howell.

The ladies of the WI, played by Lucy Goodchild, Maureen Wallis, Hilary Williams-Violentano, Pauline Willis and Ann Mundye, were a strange but amusing addition to the tale, with the named young pirates performing well - Blood Boiler, Gizzard Slitter and The Fridge, played by Tabby Rawlings, Lucas Kirk and Sam Couch, with Sam once again adding swagger and good comedy timing to his part.

I always enjoy Benita Gilliam’s portrayals, and this was no exception, she engages so well with any part she plays.  I enjoyed the Parrot as voiced by Tracey Couch, some very funny moments.

The junior chorus of Cecily Vernon-Clinch, Imogen Stockdale, Alice Fox, Megan Gillott, Rosie Atkins and Blue Boardman added much to the proceedings with good vocals and facial expressions.

Technically rewarding and lovely to see Redbourn Players moving on so well, particularly as a village hall is a very difficult environment to get the technical aspect right, a highlight was definitely the ship and the projections, both set the scene and the stage crew managed the changes extremely well.

My thanks to Redbourn for their continued hospitality, always a pleasure to visit you, and another enjoyable production.

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