Treasure Island - The Panto
Directed by Peter Ingledew
NODA REPORT - Jose Harrison on Saturday 22nd January 2022
FRONT OF HOUSE. We received a very warm welcome, provided with a programme, drinks in the interval and shown to two excellent seats which had been reserved for us. Once again this society put on a really good production with all the right ingredient for family entertainment.
THE PRODUCTION. This was an exceptionally well directed and choreographed pantomime. The staging consisted of outstanding ‘back drops’ projected onto a back cloth, I presume, transporting the audience from one location to another. In addition they ‘flew’ birds, a ghostly spirit and a rat across the scene landing them on the set adding a dimension totally new to me.
THE CAST. Helen Fyles as Polly was a sheer delight, Terry McMaster was everything expected of a dame, Alice Forward and Suzie Walker made a delightful couple singing outstandingly and Martin Love as Long John Silver was very convincing as the leader of a motley gang. These were very ably supported by Trevor Hodgson as the squire, together with Linda Jordan and Angela Mariner as the comic pair, and Liz Gibson leading the WI group. In fact there wasn’t a weak link in the whole show.
COSTUMES AND MAKEUP. All the costumes and makeup were excellent being very varied and exceedingly colourful. I particularly loved Mrs Hawkins outfits and her wonderful fruit bowl head gear. The pirates, both male and female, had come up with some wonderful ideas for suitable outfits. I was very impressed with the number of fast changes involved.
SOUND, LIGHTING AND CHOREOGRAPHY. Every word could be heard clearly and the sound effects were on time and the lighting was good, adding atmosphere to the various scenes. I thought the choice of songs was excellent with plenty of variety and the dance routines were obviously well rehearsed and very watchable.
Thank you so much for a great afternoon’s entertainment. Best regards, Jose Harrison
Venue: The Henfield Hall
Type of Production: Pantomime
Director: Peter Ingledew
Choreographer: Karen Blunden & Alice Forward
Musical Director; David Barnett