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This was a welcome change from the normal run of the more often performed Pantomimes. Set in the world of the circus, it gave the opportunity for new situations and characters not usually encountered. At the same time it contains most, if not all, of the traditional aspects one expects from the genre.
The plot is a little weak with potentially tension-producing developments being too quickly and easily resolved. Most of the jokes are 'punny' one-liners eliciting a few groans from the very involved audience. It is also sad that the production suffered badly, even more than most Societies are currently, from a chronic shortage of men to give more body to the well-known songs incorporated to develop the story.
There were, however, many bonuses in this bright and breezy production. The emphasis on youth bodes well for the future, especially if the gender imbalance can be addressed. There was a nice pace throughout, emphasised by the cast being well on top of their parts. Rarely, if ever, do we get the chance to see a Musical Director come bounding on in a clown's costume prior to sympathetically accompanying the musical numbers.
The many scene changes were carried out quickly and efficiently enhancing even more the extremely colourful scenery providing a brilliant backing to the innumerable gorgeous costumes on view.
The cast was headed by Jamie Crawford as Sadie Spangle the owner of the 'good' circus, in danger of being taken over by Benjamin Black and his black circus, the latter thunderously played by Nigel Heath. Jamie was making his debut both with the Club and as a Dame. Assisted by his ever-more outrageous costume, ‘she’ most effectively provided a large part of the comedic aspects of the evening.
'His' stage daughter, Goldilocks was cleverly played by the very talented young Anneka Bones, who must have a bright stage future. This must also be said of Ronnie the ringmaster, her boyfriend, delightfully played by Charlotte Whitehead. Together they made a most handsome couple. Catherine Whitehead also shone as Joey the clown - her unkindled enthusiasm did much to maintain the
impetus. The Three Bears, essentially non-speaking parts, were well portrayed by Robert Dicketts as Father Bear and Barbara Liddle as Mother Bear, whilst the role of Baby Bear was shared by Hannah Leonard and Kirsty Twiner. Dressed in apposite bear costumes their mimed performances again enhanced the proceedings, apart from one scene where their costumes tended to merge into the house curtains. Sally Myatt was a very creditable Pedro the gypsy; with Benjamin Black, the villainous part of the show. Carly Hicks was a delightful bareback rider and the good fairy for good measure, showing us her talented dancing in several applaud-winning numbers.
The rest of the mainly young cast supported the principals fully, and the kaleidoscopic effect when the Company was on stage for the ensemble numbers, was outstanding.
This was a very good pantomime; with just a few men to boost the chorus it would have been even better.
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