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Many thanks to all those who have written a review for this production.
Jenny, Eric and Casper from Langford
Rating: 
Saturday matinée "We thoroughly enjoyed this flawless performance"
We thoroughly enjoyed this flawless performance which kept our 18 month old grandson riveted from beginning to end – well done to everyone involved. We were lucky to have seats in the front row so the visibility was perfect, as was the audibility. The acting, singing and dancing were perfect and there were no hiccups. The costumes and make-up were also very professional. We thought the length was normal for a pantomime but maybe a bit long for some children. A great deal of effort and rehearsal had obviously been made to make this a smooth and entertaining show.
James from Faringdon
Rating:
Saturday evening "Overall it was EXCELLENT"
I had a party of 8 of us who attended and we all LOVED it. There really is some excellent talent on stage. All the lead characters were brilliant. The costumes were excellent (especially the Tin Man and the Lion). Set was beautiful. The lights and sound were spot-on.
We felt the show was too long, the story you told in over nearly 3 hours could have been told in 1h 30m at the most (50 minutes first half and 40 min second half). Give yourselves a break, you don't need to work that hard or for that long. Honestly, people would still think that amount of time was incredible value for money. Classic panto catchphrases seem easy ….. but need to be delivered consistently, not even a slight variation otherwise the audience don't know what to do. I would also suggest someone needs to set that expectation better at the start of the show, a 'Buttons' character could do it. Presume the audience have never seen a panto before, it would set you up for success and I know the audience would have been way better. Pre-show upbeat pre-recorded music would have set the tone better, you want that crowd pumped before the show starts. Getting-the-kids-up / sing-along moment was weak …. I don't think it added anything.
Finally, I felt like each big character needed a 'musical sting' to enter and exit the stage; it fills the occasional eggy moment of dead air, lifts the energy, and again sets really obvious signposts to the audience. But this is REALLY picky and just some top tips on making an incredible show, even better and send it the spirit of support, love and admiration. Faringdon is lucky to have you all. Thank you again and good luck this weekend, no doubt you will smash it.
Louise Brown from Standlake
Rating:
Sunday matinée "Most certainly the best panto I have ever seen in all my life."
This panto was absolutely outstanding. The acting was phenomenal with so much character put into the parts.
The costumes would not have looked out of place on the West End stage. It was great to have a degree of audience participation and I liked the way the actors processed up between the audience. I would, however, say that the diction was occasionally a little indistinct and my husband and I both missed some of the jokes and dialogue. But, overall a totally remarkable achievement by Bex Hutchings and the cast and crew. I can’t wait for the next one!
Tania from SITV
Rating:
Friday evening "Loved it."
Good music, good casting, good script, loads of traditional fun. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Jacob Bayliss from Fairford
Rating:
Saturday evening "A feast for eyes and ears!"
As a member of the society and previous panto performer, it was a joy to watch a FDS panto for the first time in the audience, not once, but twice! To EVERYONE involved, please give yourselves well deserved pat on the back. Thank you to you all for making the show an utter delight to watch. A special shout out to the three FDS newbies performing taking on principal roles as the Dame (Kevin Jones), Lion (Jason Boorman) and Tinman (Jonny Waywell)! You guys rock and each brought a new edge to the cast! I also especially enjoyed Lu Waywell as the Wicked Witch of the West! Such an amazing voice, and who knew you could be so evil (and green!). Verity Roberts playing Blunder, the Trainee Good Witch, is always entertaining to watch; bringing such energy and fun to the show. The romance between Blunder and Tinman was very endearing. I wish I could talk about each of the other performers (including the Flying Monkeys and the strong ensemble), but I will be writing this all day! Safe to say, you all were fab and should be proud, bringing the entire show to life with such enthusiasm and ease.
I must also congratulate the Writer, Director and Mastermind of the show, Bex Hutchings. I am so pleased for you, the show is a total success and the audiences clearly enjoyed every minute. The story took its twists and turns with humour and intrigue. I must also mention Duncan Sinclair (and the rest of the band) for the music. Such good choices in songs, with the big numbers hitting with impact! I wish some of them lasted forever (some are still going around in my head). They were thrilling to listen to. Along with the music, the on stage action with the choreography was very strong, with accurate timing; very powerful indeed. The costume team also deserve their own special mention. Thank you to you all for helping to make the entire show POP with colour with very professional design and style. Again, I would reiterate, WELL DONE to EVERYONE involved in the Production. I am aware of the time and efforts many members of the society dedicate to make sure the FDS Pantomimes are always special. Thank you for making my experience of watching the show a feast for eyes and ears. I would love to say I will come and watch next year; but unfortunately I cannot. I want to be back on stage and in rehearsal with you all! It is clear you’ve all had such fun putting this all together.
Teresa Barrow from Faringdon
Rating:
Saturday evening "If you can be anything in life be excellent and you WERE!"
Managed to get some last minute tickets for myself and a neighbour who have been to several of your performances before. We could not go the previous Friday when there were tickets available because it clashed with tickets already purchased for the Regent Cinema to watch Oppenheimer…. Well it might be up for Oscars etc but was underwhelmed, but you were 1000% more entertaining! From the moment the music started it was fabulous. We love the fact that your music is live and very accomplished and not just a backing tape. Maybe you should sell CD’s of the Music as well as raffle tickets. Back to the Panto though, Oh yes I am! The costumes were just amazing! Especially in the finale. From the flying monkeys to the dame they were all outstanding. I suppose there is now a national shortage of emerald green sequin and glitter material. I was at the back so could not see the make up close up but it was effective, when we saw some of the cast outside we could see what a magnificent job had been done. As for the cast all outstanding from the littlest to the tallest. A great adaptation by Bex and the steam punk influence was amazing. I really should not single out any one of them out for special praise but having seen Lou before in “That’s my Baby” she made a very glamorous tiny waisted (yes jealous) evil witch… 🧙 Great singing and cackles. There was a very little young man in the ensemble and his dancing was joyous. All in all a fabulous evening. I will have to plan ahead for next year and get our grandchildren over for a matinee. Thank you for a perfect evening … here is hoping you win some more awards.
Jules from Swindon
Rating:
Saturday evening "Fantastic Performance"
It was a superb performance from start to finish. The whole cast were so professional and had exceptional voices. Liked the steam punk vibe in the costumes which all tied together. Would definitely come to another performance.
This original pantomime, loosely derived and inspired by the story from ‘The Wizard of Oz’, was written by our own Bex Hutchings. This is a first for FDS where we fuse fairytale, steampunk and classic panto together to create an entirely new experience. Aimed at delighting children and adults of all ages.
Winners of the NODA London Regional Award in the innovative and challenging group.
Excellent 
