Widow Twanky & Her Lad

Widow Twanky & Her Lad

Hornsea Amateur Theatre Society

 

Director Olivia Brookes, Producer Ian Thompson. Choreographers Katie Carr & Anna Bant

12th August 2025

 

There’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned panto with cheesy jokes and childish giggles, and Hornsea Amateur Theatre Society’s Widow Twanky and Her Lad delivered just that. With a packed audience buzzing with children who could hardly sit still with excitement, it was clear from the start that this was going to be a family-friendly performance.

The show had that relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that makes community theatre so enjoyable. Nobody was sitting in silence – there were giggles, whispers and plenty of enthusiastic shouts from the young ones, which only added to the charm. It’s exactly the sort of show you’d happily take the whole family to, especially if you want to see the kids join in with all the “he’s behind you!” moments.

The choice of music worked really well. Instead of lengthy numbers that risk losing the younger audience’s attention, the production used shortened versions of well-known songs. This gave the show a lovely upbeat feel and kept things moving at a nice pace. The ensemble added an extra layer of fun here – every time they came on, they were full of smiles and energy, and it was clear they were having a great time on stage. That enthusiasm carried straight into the audience.

Visually, the set was kept simple and basic, which in many ways worked to the production’s advantage. It meant there were no distractions from the cast’s performances and gave the costumes more room to shine. The costumes themselves were a thoughtful nod to traditional panto style – bright, colourful and instantly recognisable, helping bring the classic characters to life without overshadowing them.

Credit should go to Director Olivia Brookes and Producer Ian Thompson, who put together a show that balanced fun and accessibility. The choreography, created by Katie Carr and Anna Bant, was nicely thought out too. Rather than trying to cram in complicated routines, they kept things simple and effective, making sure every cast member could get involved. The result was cheerful and inclusive dance numbers that fitted the light-hearted mood of the evening perfectly. Little slip ups with lines did not phase the great cast and even forgotten lines were nicely prompted by Hazzel Woodhouse with quiet decorum.

As for the cast, there were some lovely performances all round. Chloe Ratcliffe was a lively Aladdin, full of confidence and charm, while Maisy Wilson gave a sweet and gentle portrayal of Princess Mandarin. Tim Drage as Wishee Washee was a hit with the audience, bouncing around with great energy and quick wit. Of course, no panto is complete without the Dame, and Ian Thompson’s Widow Twanky didn’t disappoint – colourful, funny and just the right amount of over the top.

On the villain’s side, Russel Fallon delivered a strong Abanazar, complete with all the hisses and boos you’d hope for. Phil Wilson as Pong and Jeffrey Kidd as Wong, both of whom brought some great comic moments to the stage. The rest of the cast added their own sparkle too: Beth Peart was endearing as So Shy, Kath Evans brought some regal authority as The Empress, Alex Tanton was a charming Spirit of the Ring, and Katie Plumb played a magical Genie of the Lamp. Each one added something special to the story, rounding out the panto experience nicely.

All in all, this was a thoroughly enjoyable evening of entertainment. It might not have had the glitz and glamour of a big professional production, but it didn’t need it. What it had instead was heart, humour and a genuine community spirit. With a room full of children laughing, shouting and singing along, the aim of the show was well and truly achieved. Hornsea Amateur Theatre Society should be proud of delivering another fun-filled panto that put smiles on the faces of young and old alike.

 

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