My thanks to Karen once more to review your latest
production – Peter Panto, written by your own member, Peter Webster. Your
Society is very fortunate to call upon so many talented individuals. It was
also very gratifying to read in your programme that you were donating the
royalties from the panto, and the evening raffle take to Great Ormond Street
Children’s Charity – I hope that the 58, or so children in the cast were
aware of the tremendous work done at the hospital.
Once one entered the hall we were immediately made aware of
the evening, with Peter, flying across the front curtain, and one
immediately thought “will he be flying in the actual production?” – then my
thoughts turned to “health and safety” regulations!!!
The Set – designed by Jo Webster, and built by members of
the Society, was well constructed, and painted as required, to illustrate_
The Darling’s Nursery, in the opening scene, and then Neverland, and in Act
2 the main theme was the deck of the Pirate Ship, before reverting back in
the final scene to the Darling’s Nursery once more. The scene changes were
carried out quietly and efficiently. The extra apron was a must, with such a
large cast.
With such a large cast, I think I counted 73 individuals –
everyone entered into the spirit of the production – and without exception
everyone gave of their very best, and above all – everyone seemed to be
enjoying themselves – and that’s what it’s all about. Enjoying yourselves –
and giving enjoyment to others.
The main players: Mr Darling/Pirate – John Taylor – an
experienced actor, who did everything that was asked of him. I think he
really enjoyed the little bit extra, as the Pirate!!
Mrs Darling – Katie Dyet – was the supportive mother, there
were times when we lost her speaking voice – as she turned up stage, instead
of speaking out to her audience, perhaps a little more aggression was needed
in the delivery of the spoken word.
Wendy – their daughter – Miriam Wells – a fine performance,
looked good on stage, delivered her lines most clearly, liked her solo, and
duet singing with Peter. Was in complete control of her character.
John – their elder son – Jack Porter Michael – their younger
son – Sebastian Allum – I do not wish to separate these two, as they both
reacted to situations, which applied to each one of them in turn – they
spoke clearly and had good facial expressions. Well done.
Nana – the Darling’s dog – Will Clarke – I think he really
enjoyed the role – must have been difficult to learn the lines in the
script! Well done.
Peter Pan – Verity Roberts – was in control of her character
throughout. Good facial expressions, good clear diction, pleasant singing
voice, and was the perfect partner for Wendy. A fine performance.
Tinkerbell – a fairy – Alex Oliver – this part was made for
her – she revelled in it – each time she appeared on stage, she added a new
dimension to the plot – excellent facial expressions, good clear diction,
her timing was first class, good singing voice, and above all, she was
really enjoying playing the character. Congratulations.
Captain Hook – a Pirate – Allan Dover – came over very well
as “the baddy”, good clear diction, excellent facial expressions – and was
always in command. I liked the costume, and the wig, however I felt the
facial make-up could have been improved upon. With such a dark wig, the
eye-brows needed to be darker, as they were lost against such a dark wig,
which was magnificent. I’m not sure if people sitting near the back of the
hall could pick up his expressive face, as we could, sitting near the front.
Nevertheless, a fine performance.
Smee – his first mate – Rob Thorpe – was true to his
Captain, and gave of his all – was in control of all situations, and has the
knack of getting the audience on his side. Sang tunefully – and I’m sure
enjoyed playing the character. Well done.
Trainee Fairies – Jemima Stevens, Meg Thorpe, Daisy Vanags –
well done, the three of you, you reacted well to things said and done by
Tinkerbell – you will not need your L-Plates on any more. Well done.
The Pirate Crew – The Lost Boys – Pirate Chorus – Animals –
Toys/Crocodiles – and the Crocodile – Debbie Lock – all played their part in
making the whole pantomime work – Congratulations.
Co directors Peter Webster and Karen Whiffen are to be
congratulated on another fine effort. It is not easy working with such a
large cast, and the discipline required for such a task is tremendous, and
I’m sure there are others who had helped to ensure that all the children
knew exactly what to do, and when., Good use was made of the entire stage,
and the aisles, and all the children knew the words to the songs. When a
Society can call upon such experienced members to direct, that is half the
battle – they know what they want from a production, and they receive the
respect they deserve from others. Congratulations.
The Orchestra – under Musical Director – Steve Page – did a
fine job, produced a nice tone, and were well balanced. I liked the choice
of music for the entire show, and the way some of the orchestra were dressed
as Pirates. The Parrot was well behaved throughout the entire show!
Costume design & Creation – Joan Lee, Sharon Gerry, Jeni
Summerfield – I have said it before many times, how fortunate your Society
is in having such talented individuals to design and make such beautiful,
and colourful costumes – were they responsible for tearing some of the “Lost
Boys” costumes?
Props – Fiona Merrick – were you responsible for making the
Crocodile costume, and the Foxes heads? If so, they were excellent. A lot of
co-ordinating had to be done.
Make-Up – Nona Lewis, Lynne Roberts – there was a lot to do
with so many children, it all looked fine, with the dirty knees, etc. I have
mentioned Captain Hook’s facial make-up earlier. Well done.
Lighting – Ian Chandler, Gary Bates – everything was fine,
and I mentioned earlier about Peter Pan flying.
Sound – Gary Bates – no problems detected on the final
night, all microphones seemed to be working well.
Choreography – Tara Whenray – much thought had been given to
the style of dancing that would be included in this production. I liked the
opening “Rocking Rolling” dance – a few more smiling faces would have been
good – and I liked the Crocodile Dance, with some tap. A lot of effort had
been made, and it paid off.
Backstage Co-ordinator – Ian Lee; Chaperone Co-ordinator –
Katie Dyet – a difficult job, very well done. It was good training for
Katie, before she came on stage!!
Programme – Dave Headey – well laid out, and contained all
the relevant information. Why not enter it for the basic programme
competition with London NODA – details will be sent to your secretary in
April – you’ll need to submit five copies.
Front of House Co-ordinator – Denise Monk – and supported by
many members, as Front of House Team, also running the Bar, and selling
raffle tickets – where would any Society be without this dedicated team of
helpers?
Thank you once again for an enjoyable evening’s
entertainment – and I wish you every success with “Outside Edge” – when you
go to Canada in May 2008. I’m sure you’ll all have a wonderful time – and
the right choice of play to take.
Gareth Jeremy,
Region 12, London Area
