Treasure Island

Melksham Music and Drama’s

Production of Treasure Island.

on Saturday 15 th February 2025
at The Rachel Fowler Centre, Melksham.

PLEASE NOTE:

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 effected 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 andencouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

First Visit to a group that has been well recognised by NODA and my first visit to a former Chapel, nestled behind the centre of old Melksham. This group rehearse and stage their productions in this space which is determined by the difficult layout. The chapel has an upper level (not used) which makes for a low acting area underneath. The audience were seated across the floor facing a long wall which then controls the acting area. No rear room for scenery and only exits left and right for all actors and scenery. And the real crowning glory was coping with an original cast metal support pole in the centre of the acting width! However the area seats about a hundred patrons who are used to the width and depth of the “stage”.There is a small rig for lighting above the seating area.and the acting area was as well lit as possible. I mention all of this, which perhaps you have heard before on these reports, but I wanted to make clear what an achievement any production is under these conditions - let alone a show this successful!
A Pantomime has a lot of expectations from the public especially when it is not one of the traditional panto choices. This group chose a script of Treasure Island by Ben Crocker. Not the strongest story line but the cast milked the words for all their worth. Although I will mention some of the main parts later this was truly an ensemble show. Everyone supported each other, especially when the odd “fluff” happened and all the cast worked so well together in the very tight space. The cast were really into their roles and kept in character even when on the edge of the acting area. Everyone interacted with the audience as they came and went which all helped to build the rapport. This bonding, between cast, crew and audience made the show a success as far as I am concerned
Costumes play a big role in Pantomime. Here we had wonderful period pirates and quite modern W.I.dressed ladies. The two types of costume didn’t originally gel with me, especially as all the women wore “fasinators” which must reflect those women of a certain age in Melksham! However I could appreciate that it was a quick and easy way for the audience to identify the different groups on stage. Long John Silver and Mrs Hawkins were really outstandingly good although all the costumes, being well lit, shone on stage. Your costume team did you proud.

The stage crew worked quietly and fast to change scenery. The flat wall was covered by portable flats that rolled in and out as required. They were double sided and had extra layers added with painted hardboard panels. There were a few small wooden “cutouts” posted around as necessary and thewhole area became the Ship Hispaniola for the first scene in Act Two. This was rigged in the intervalamid small children racing about and adults with coffee cups. They are not even blessed with main tabs to cover all of this. Sadly the lighting which was quite even and bright during the scenes did not fade in and out and the sudden plunge into darkness was an area which could be improved. Also I feltthe small spotlights used in the song solos were not necessary as the whole area was so well lit.

Music and dance played a large part in this show. Wow were the cast well rehearsed in these numbers! Everyone was in “sync” as far as I could judge and enjoying themselves. But I ask this
question, as the audience were a cross section of the public I wondered if there could have been amore cross generational choice of tunes. I know most of them were new to me but in Panto it’s always good if there are some popular choices to encourage audience participation. The same could be said about the Community Song at end of the show. Something easy, very, very silly and quick is ideal. And preferably on a board visible on stage – even if hand written.
I would like to suggest that in future pantos you raise the music level during scene changes. Your team were good and almost silent but you missed a trick. The audience were ready and waiting to clap along with the Sailor’s Hornpipe as it played during scene changes. They would have not been aware of the scene changes if they were busy clapping!

My first praise must go to Director Penny Smart for all her hard work in staging this show as well as stage managing. She must have been full of energy to have passed that onto the cast or very bossy!Pantomime, because it uses all aspects of drama, is not an easy task to direct, so well done Penny. Also producing the show was a very experienced Geoff Mitcham. I thank them both for theirwarm welcome and time spent answering my questions.
I would like to mention a few of the cast but make it clear that we are only as good on stage as our fellow actors make us and this was an ensemble piece! Most Important Person - Caroline:  (Prompt) Squire Trelawney – John. Great support role that brought some normality to his scenes Jim Hawkins – Rosie, Jenny Trelawney – LouiseBoth worked well together in acting and si.of th  cast. The Fridge – Hereward - Prize for wearing most false hair so well. Mrs Henderson – Joanne: Such a gem of a part well done! Seadog Sam – Kelly / Seaweed Willy – Karen. Both worked well together and were a good double-act. Polly the Parrot – Carol. Almost forgot this gem of a role. Worked her feathers off to woo the audience and how they loved her. Well done.Long John Silver – Tom. Great bad guy! Loved the way you relished your words but worried over the state of your vocal chords. Eye shadow just right especially when combined with that evil smile. Loved that you loved your role. Well done! Mrs Hawkins – Justin.  Well done Justin on winning the fight with the hardest of Pantomime roles. You are the first bearded Dame I’ve seen. You engaged with the audience from your first line and won them over. Your treatment of the audience men was just right and a good laugh. You were a great Dame.

Thanks to all I saw and met on my visit. I look forward to the next time

Bob Allen

NODA South West District 14 Representative

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance seen.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.