Pantomime magic
brought up to date
THREE large audiences enjoyed the first Shawford pantomime to be produced in the refurbished Parish Hall.
But I wonder if the Heathcote Players of the past would have recognised it as such as Dy2k Whittington and his Dot.C@ was indeed "A Pantomime for our Times".
Simon Theobalds' witty and topical script, centred around an election for London Mayor, that put the recent American effort to shame, finally consigning the villainous rats to "a Dome of their own".
The traditional Simple Simon character was transformed by Jon Hawkins into an ingenuous, contemporary, computer nerd. Simon Theobalds, who also organised the production, somehow had sufficient energy and skill to spare to play two parts as well.
Sarah Hawkins' expert and lively direction, with skilful use of lighting and scenery, surmounted the problems of a hail with no permanent stage; indeed her 'theatre in the round' approach ensured the immediate involvement of the audience. She also brought the traditional pantomime cross-dressing to its logical conclusion with not only a winning and dashing principal boy (Sheila Forbes), but also a predatory and blowsy principal "girl" (Nick Wells).
The production moved at the cracking pace set from the start by the lively trio of tradespeople (Jenny Walmsley, Eileen Gorrod, and Simon North) whose confident and cheerful disharmonies, were occasionally mollified by Eileen}s melodious moments, much to the feigned disdain of the other two.
The whole cast exuded vitality, exuberance and an infectious sense of enjoyment; Simon Jones as the macho, wheeler-dealing, "transmoggyfied" C@, Jemima Theobalds' pert, lithe wench, and a collection of convincingly malevolent, alarmingly large rats (Muriel Forbes, Simon Theobalds, Mark Hegan, and Brian Green), energetically and stylishly led by Kenrat (Ken Staunton) and ably supported by a troop of junior rats.
Tradition was preserved in the shape of Ian Streat's bumbling, stammering Baron Hardup, with Jane Hazlitt as his long-suffering, but unfailingly dignified wife. As musical director, Philip Gorrod-who wrote original songs, arranged all the music, and was supported by son Ed- drove the production along. They all, together with the unsung team of backstage supporters, deserve warmest congratulations. RGE
Mayor the merrier...Dy2k (Sheila Forbes) consults the butcher (Jenny Walmsley), the baker (Simon North) and the candlestick maker (Eileen Gorrod) about running for Mayor of London while author, Simon Theobalds, in the role of Typo Thompson, formerly of The Grauniad, looks on
