Press

Dreaming of a panto at the junior school

THE Faringdon Dramatic Society presented the pantomime 'Dreamers' at the Junior School in late January and early February before packed houses. Written by local resident Roger Leitch, directed by Debbie Lock and the orchestra was conducted by Cathy Lloyd. It was a Faringdon take on 'A Midsummer's Night Dream' and set primarily in a castle and in the forest.

The cast of about 70 was made up of several FDS stalwarts and many young people who were very energetic in this performance of music, song and intrigue. Great sets, wonderful costumes and ceaseless activity on stage.

Newspaper article with kind permission of 'The Faringdon Folly'

Oxfordshire Drama Network

ODN Review

Faringdon definitely needed the large wide stage of their Junior School to support the very large chorus of children, 52 in number, in this home written show. The enthusiasm of well rehearsed, well disciplined soldiers, fairies, teenage gang and bugs carried this production with its Shakespearian influence. Basically a simple story- Princess runs off with her true love into the Forest of Dreams to avoid marrying into money as demanded by the King. Everybody but everybody chases after her (for the reward of course), risking the wrath of Beron, Tania and the magic of Fairy Putt but finally return to several happy weddings.

The basic set was expertly painted with back and side flats but the mammoth chorus left little room for any other props, even the soldiers had no weapons. The lighting on stage was good but left a few dark corners. We liked the pool of light that trapped players as if in a cage and the UV for the Bugs dance worked very effectively. Costumes were excellent as usual, kitting out all the chorus must have been a huge task, but the overall effect when the stage was full was great. Musically, Cathy Lloyd, the Musical Director, led her live orchestra of 9 in some very apt numbers, we particularly enjoyed ‘I’m a Believer’ which got our feet tapping. Unfortunately the sound balance was not corrected too well from the overhead microphones. during the recorded musical items and the singing was overwhelmed.

There were no really strong characters on stage and we were carried along by good acting from the several youngsters in the cast, notably Jack Porter as the Army Sergeant and Billie Geehan as the magical fairy Putt. We didn’t have a nasty baddie to boo and hiss at though Adrian Wells as the King/ Beron tried hard to establish a commanding character into his dual part. His Queen/ Tania (Katie Dyet) was very quiet by comparison. Alex Oliver as the Princess gave a good performance but her lover Leo (Mary Mountford-Lister) was too wooden and we didn’t get a thigh slapping role from her/him as we expected. Tom Kennedy as the Prince gave a competent showing as did our two other heroines Lynsey Kendrick and Miriam Wells as Zee and Anna. It got very confusing as to who wanted to marry who at the beginning. Auntie Bee (Rob Thorpe) did his best as the dame, but was not effective in engaging with the unusually shy audience, not as we expect with traditional Panto. Joe Benson and Karen Whiffen as the comic duo made the most of a script somewhat lacking in comedy for them. Mostly our laughter was saved for the Army General (Tim Gerry) and his young soldiers. If only he had adopted a Capt. Mainwaring style to complement the amusing ‘camp’ performance of his Major (Luke Gerry). Well done also to Katie Goodwin for overcoming her disability, its not often you see a Chancellor in a wheelchair.

Overall the Midsummer Night's Dream idea didn’t really transpose very well into a Panto, somehow we all felt something was missing from the show and so much tradition had got left behind somewhere. However this shouldn’t distract from a well presented production- well done kids, your dedication and discipline showed through and carried the Show.

National Operatic & Dramatic Association

London Area Report

Society
Production
Date
Venue
Report by :FARINGDON DRAMATIC SOCIETY
:Dreamers Pantomime
4th February 2006
Faringdon Primary School
Gareth Jeremy. Region 12

My thanks to Jeni Summerfield for the invitation to review this year's Pantomime,-- -Dreamers, by your very own,-Roger Leitch. l liked the script. and obviously It had much local interest, built into the script, which was enjoyed by the local people.

As you know, your presentation is the last for me to report on, during the pantomime season,-- ( oh. yes it is) ! .and this year again, I enjoyed the entertainment you gave to your audience, during the dismal January / February weather.

With another large cast, ( sixty on stage ), I'm surprised your Director didn't have nightmares, putting the show together, she and her team deserved Oscars ! ! !

The Principals.

Auntie Bee,-Rob Thorpe.
Last year Rob was the 'Ringmaster,' and he did a splendid job. This year the character was completely different, and I'm not sure if he felt as comfortable in the role he was playing. Was he playing it to 'instruction', or was he playing it as he saw it? I think of this kind of role, as a 'circus clown',--you must have reached a point of perfection in all that you do. To be first on, and walking through the audience can be daunting. So with a great costume, and appropriate make-up, with -the Bee on your neck, off you go! The first impact was colourful,--- but what happened to the Bee ?? If you had run from side to side up the central isle 'Buzzing' like a Bee, the character would be instantly more recognizable, and such fun. Also in the dialogue some 'buzz' tones built into the script, would have given you more scope with the character. One could have communicated more with the audience, by getting them to 'buzz' each time you appeared. Working an audience is hard work, and a talent, and gift which one has to have, but is so rewarding, when successful. Unfortunately for me, this did not happen,-- things were too static.

King / Beron,---Adrian Wells.
Queen / Tania,---Katie Dyet.
As a pair they worked well together. Good, strong characters, well dressed. Fa1r1es and Tania looked just lovely, all gossamer and flowers. The King was bold, excellent facial expressions, and a good speaking voice.

Princess Amanda,--Alex Oliver
Leo, Mary Mountford-Lister.
Zee, Lyndsey Kendrick
Anna, Miriam Wells.
All looked good, and acted with confidence. To have young, and attractive ladies in a cast is just wonderful. They are an asset to your society. They seemed to have been enjoying their particular roles.

Prince Michael Herbert,- Tom Kennedy.
Looked good, confident performance, excellent costume. He made good use of the stage. There were times when he spoke too quickly,---needed to slow down a touch, so that the diction would be clearer. Again he seemed to be enjoying playing the role.

Bottom,---Joe Benson.
Topp,-Karen Whiffen,
Worked well together, and drew out the humour from the pantomime Good characterisation, when Bottom became the Mule. Well done to you both

General~-- Tim Gerry.
Good comedy role, made up well, but I would liked to have seen a 'drawn on 'moustache' in military style, to complement the round and rosy cheeks.

Major,--Luke Gerry.
This person had really thought his character through, and did not disappoint his audience. His facial expressions, body language, and walk added to a very entertaining role. Hope to see more of him in the future.

Sergeant,---Jack Porter .
What excellent stage presence, in a young member. His diction and confidence never failed him. He obviously enjoyed his role. Well done. who knows,-- ' a star ' of the future ! !

Putt, Billie Geeham.
Cheeky, and quick moving, yet again a confident younger member of the Society .

Chancellor ,--Katie Goodwin.
Well done,---you delivered your words clearly, and with conviction. Who knows, you may still play in a 'rock band' one day! !

The Soldiers, Fairies, Gang, and Bugs.
All 53 did a fantastic job,--- you could see they enjoyed taking part, sang with gusto, (and they all knew the words to the songs), they moved well in their groups. Congratulations to you all. It was so much fun to watch.

Director , Debbie Lock.
Musical Director ,-Cathy Lloyd.
Choreographer ,---Alex Oliver.
What an achievement by you all, and I'm sure Producer--Carolyn Taylor, and Assistant Producer,-Sharon Gerry, played their part, all you ladies, deserve a big thank you. One could be considered to be ambitious, mad, patient, inspired, inventive to take on a cast of sixty, but what a fantastic achievement, and community event. Everyone having so much fun and laughter. All appeared 'under control' at all times. This will stand the Society in a good light for the future, one would hope, with the interest that is being created in theatre work by a large young cast.

Orchestra.
Good to see and hear a music ensemble, excellent choice of music, there were times however when the musicians overpowered the soloists on stage. Although they used microphones, some work is needed to get the blend correct between both parties. The 'pit' gave us a nice balance between the instruments, and it is so refreshing to have some 'play out' music after the curtain comes down. So often, the first people out of their seats, are the orchestra. Thank you for that, it was a nice gesture, Well done to you all.

The Set - Designed by Amy Gerry, and constructed, and painted by Society members and friends. This was colourful, and I liked the trees, with the blend of roses and flowers. It was excellent.

Programme -Dave Headey.
I liked the design on the front cover. The programme was printed on good quality paper, and contained all the required information.

Behind the Scenes.
There were many others too numerous to mention individually, who all worked extremely hard to make the show 'tick',--- without all of you,-- there would be a difficulty in putting on a production.

There were many smiling faces leaving the hall on the last night of the show, everyone having been thoroughly entertained.-- To everyone involved, Thank you.

NODA LONDON For Services to Amateur Theatre