For some reason it's the first show I've been to but certainly won't be the last Never laughed, teared up or had goose-bumps as many times in 2 hours! Absolutely amazing!

Society Response

Reviewer: Kirstie Turnbull

In the kooky, upside-down world of The Addams Family, where sadness brings joy and pain is a source of happiness, this amateur production brought the peculiar charm of the Addams to life while tackling the everyday challenges the family faces. Director Nicholas Gillott reflected on the various issues faced during rehearsals, highlighting the professionalism of the cast, particularly Amy-Lewise Spurgeon-Hill, who stepped into the role of Alice Beineke on the day of the performance. Her seamless integration into the cast showcased the true spirit of amateur theatre.

Anthony Sargeant embodied Gomez Addams with his distinct Spanish accent, which he maintained impressively throughout the show. His powerful singing voice and commanding stage presence made him a standout performer. I look forward to seeing more of his work in future productions.

Victoria Lawford delivered a performance filled with darkness, grief, and unspeakable sorrow as Morticia. Her powerful singing voice and excellent rapport with Gomez were highlights of the show. While the Tango de Amor was performed as a freeze frame, which slightly diminished its impact, Lawford's overall portrayal was commendable.

Alex Caldwell adeptly captured the complexity of Wednesday Addams, balancing her relationships with her eccentric family and her new love interest. Caldwell's performance showcased compassion, stubbornness, and strong will, making Wednesday a relatable and dynamic character.

Joe Smith portrayed Lucas Beineke with an optimistic yet hopeless romantic charm. His frustration with his own family added depth to his character. Although some dialogue exchanges were a bit quick, Smith's portrayal was engaging and heartfelt.

Chris Harrison managed the change in his on-stage partner with professionalism and grace. His portrayal of Mal Beineke was strong, adding stability to the family dynamic.

Amy-Lewise Spurgeon-Hill, stepping in on the night, delivered delightful comedic moments and a solid performance, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.

Nick Harvey-Wade was, for me, the best Lurch in an amateur production, with a commanding presence and excellent non-verbal storytelling abilities that brought the character to life.

John Hewitt brought a lovable, childish enthusiasm to Uncle Fester, enhancing the Vaudeville-style characterization with a unique voice and presence.

Sharon Fry was hilariously oddball as Grandma Addams, particularly during the "Full Disclosure" number. Her performance as a quirky family member added a layer of comedy to the show.

Ruby Gaynor stood out with her charming and funny portrayal of Pugsley. Her vocal performance had a lovely tone, and her chemistry with Grandma Addams was delightful.

The ensemble, portraying the Addams Family Ancestors, brought the story to life with distinct costumes and maintained their characters throughout the performance. Special mentions go to the Marilyn Monroe character and the "bookworm" for their standout quirks and traits.

Director Nicholas Gillott, Choreographer Jessica Sarah Fahey, Musical Director Jonathan Mitra, and Assistant Musical Director Millie Ramsden did a commendable job putting together a strong cast. The vocals were consistently good, the choreography was clean and tidy, and there were several touching moments, particularly during the "Happy Sad" song. However, the production could have benefited from more physical comedy to enhance the humor and a live band to enrich the overall atmosphere. Overall, this was a well-executed and enjoyable production of The Addams Family musical. Congratulations to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication. Well done!

Reviewer: Kirstie Turnbull

Not many things these days can bring a community together, but a pantomime certainly can and Normanton Musical Theatre Societies production of Hansel and Gretel certainly did that.

Hansel and Gretel is not a pantomime that is overly familiar to me or, indeed, produced very often, though, of course, I remember the story published by the Brothers Grimm. Hansel (Ruby Gaynor) and his sister Gretel (Georgia Sorby) are left in the woods by their reluctant father, Fritz (Steve Littler) and horrible stepmother, Hildegard (Victoria Wilkinson). Initially they find their way back home only to have the same event repeated. Hansel thinks quickly and leaves a trail of crumbs, but these are eaten, and when they are abandoned again, they are forced to rely on two crows, Russell (Evie Hampton) and Sheryl (Chloe Butcher) � love the names - to show them the way. The only trouble is they lead them to Nightshade (Rebecca Atha), the wicked witch who grinds children�s bones to make gingerbread. Quick thinking Gretel tricks the witch into looking in the oven and locks her in, and so they can escape and return home.

Ruby and Georgia were brilliant in these parts and brought energy and enthusiasm to the roles. Having seen them both in the review show earlier in the year, it was great to see them in lead roles. They are both talented girls who I am sure will have bright futures ahead of them.

Their warring parents showed contrasting emotions throughout with Victoria as the frosty and cold-hearted stepmother who had a sullen, harsh expression every time she came onstage, and Steve, as the downtrodden, emotionally conflicted husband and father.

In every pantomime there are goodies and baddies, and this one is no different. Jennifer Waring was simply magical as good fairy, Bluebell, who spoke in rhyme and was out to thwart the evil Nightshade. I was shocked to read that she was just 13years old as she carried the role with ease and confidence.

As the evil pairing, Victoria and Rebecca revelled in the audience booing and jeering them. They both have excellent singing voices and I really enjoyed their evil duet. If I am being honest though, I would have liked Rebecca to have been even nastier to create more of a contrast to Bluebell and Hildegard.

Every pantomime needs humour � and it wouldn�t be pantomime without a dame. In this one it was Peggy, aka Paul Wilkinson. Paul is no stranger to playing the Dame and showed how to work an audience, singling men out for Peggy�s special attention!!! He gave a larger than life portrayal with a great catch phrase to engage the audience whenever his knocker was banged. I understand this will be the last time he plays a Dame before hanging up his bra and I�m sure he will be a hard act to follow. There was a good amount of banter between this character and of her children, Heather (Emma Louise Gill) and Wally (Chris Littler-Moore). Chris was engaging as the silly character, Wally, and even dressed in the identifiable Where�s Wally clothing. He showed his ability to deliver comic timing, especially in the slap stick kitchen baking scene, and always had a smile on his face really lifting the audience and inviting them to play along with the jokes. This part was well played, and was a hoot to boot! Emma joined in the fun but also provided the traditional Principal Girl love interest role for Jodie Slater�s Prince Johan.

Meanwhile, the comic twosome, Nut-Meg (Debbie Kenworthy) and Basil (Grace Mutch) added to the turmoil when they try to sell all sorts of foolish food and fake fare foraged from the forest!

This is a large company so it would be impossible to mention everyone by name, however, the production team did well to fit them all on stage and give everyone a chance to play a supporting role or have a line or two. The commitment to developing talent is obvious and only adds to the community theatre feel that was evident. Congratulations to Chris Oxley (Director), Jess Fahey (Choreographer) and Rosalie Newton � Van Den Berg (Musical Director) for producing such an enjoyable show.

Reviewer: Kirstie Turnbull

This was my first visit to Normanton Musical Theatre Society and I knew I was in for an evening of entertainment when I read the synopsis of musical numbers in the programme. It will not be possible to mention everyone by name in this report, otherwise it may resemble a complete works of Shakespeare, there were that many people in the company. What was clear though was the amount of time and effort taken by everyone to produce a programme jam packed with numbers from old and new musicals.

Cleverly titled Musical Moments In Time, the company had devised a journey through musicals over the millennia. The show was narrated with humour and with by Debbie Kenworthy and Chris Oxley and it was always a surprise as to what Debbie would be wearing as she tried relentlessly to get herself involved in a musical number.

With songs from Jesus Christ Superstar and Spamalot starting the show and swiftly moving into Tudor times with a selection of songs from SIX The Musical the mood was set and the audience eagerly anticipating what was in store.

There was no shortage of talent on stage from the student section of the group and I was particularly impressed with Ruby Gaynor and Jennifer Waring who sang and danced beautifully in A Million Dreams from The Greatest Showman. Forgive me for skipping a few centuries, but Ruby also took on the title role of Matilda in the excerpts from the Tim Minchin musical and completely embodied the character. Well Done Ruby.

For me, the highlight of Act 1 was In My Dreams from Anastasia which was beautifully and meaningfully sang by Emma Gill. Emma has a natural and pure voice that made it seem effortless in hitting some of the higher notes. This number also featured a wonderful synchronised lyrical dance, perfectly choreographed by Jess Fahey.

Throughout the whole show, it was clear that Jess had put her heart and soul into choreographing this show and took into account the wide range of abilities that she had to work with. Her stylisation worked perfectly for the numbers in the production. This was evident in particular during the Jersey Boys and Dreamgirls section when the men coped admirably with singing iconic songs whilst dancing at the same time.

It is always difficult to produce a cabaret show and the production team of Louise Whitworth (Director), Rasalie Newton-Van Den Berg (Musical Director) and Jessica Fahey (Choreographer) did a great job. If I was to be a little critical by means of offering development points, it would be that a lot of the action seemed to be set quite far back on the stage and with a flat audience seating plan, this sometimes made it difficult to see some of the details.

Overall, I have been left in no doubt that Normanton Musical Theatre Society are a family friendly group who work very well together and put on excellent productions for the community in which they are based. The depth and breadth of the membership was clear to see but the final word must go to the youngest member of the cast, Jakob Fahey, who at just five years old, stole the show every time he came on stage.

Well Done and Congratulations to all involved.

Reviewer: L Frank Baum

The Wizard of Oz is a firm favourite for many people, especially at Christmas Time when all the memories of Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and of course the Cowardly Lion all of which have been loved by generations.

The story starts in Dorothy's aunt and uncle's home where they are busy counting the chickens, as usual because they are so busy, they do not have a great deal of time for Dorothy, however this does not mean they do not love her.

One person who enters the stage is Miss Gulch, who is a force to be reckoned with, she says Toto has bitten her and therefore must be destroyed. Dorothy does not like this and when Toto runs away from Miss Gulch, Dorothy is very pleased.

Dorothy decides to run away with Toto and on her way, she meets Professor Marvel, who tells her he can foretell the future, of course we all know this is not true.

Normanton MTS have engaged a new director for this one and it does seem to have worked, Nicholas Gillott has brought in some new fresh ideas and together with Choreographer Jess Fahey and MD Rosalie Newton Van Der Berg the ideas paid off.

The leading role of Dorothy Gale was in the more than capable hands of Jennifer Waring, who has a beautiful voice and was able to deliver the lines and songs with ease.

Dorothy's Aunt Em was played by Debbie Kenworthy who relished the part, Uncle Henry was played by Steve Littler who was excellent.

The wicked Miss Gulch was played by Victoria Wilkinson who also doubled us as The Wicked Witch of The West, two great parts to get your teeth into and Victoria certainly did this, loving every minute.

We all know there is a good witch in this piece, Glinda who not only guides Dorothy around Oz, she also tells her how to get The Emerald City, by Following The Yellow Brick Road, here Dani Alexander was perfect, delivering her lines with ease and being every bit the Glinda we all know and love.

Professor Marvel was in the more than capable hands of Chris Oxley who also doubled up as The Wizard of Oz too.

When this starts Dorothy's dog, Toto is played by a stuffed toy, however once they get into Oz Toto is morphed into a character played by Eliza Sorby, who was superb, she managed to get all the characteristics of this little dog much to the delight of the audience.

Dorothy's three friends, Zeke, Hank and Hickory who eventually become The Cowardly Lion, The Scarecrow and The Tinman played by Chris Littler-Moore, Harley Walker and Brad Shaw-Sullivan respectively. All three managed to get everything out of their characters both in singing, dancing and acting too.

All the respective actors were able to work together to deliver an excellent production which together with some great singing and dancing was enjoyed by the full audience.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Reviewer: Noel Rigg

The choice of Beauty and the Beast for their summer production was a good idea as it attracts both pantomime lovers and musical show supporters. The Normanton Society assembled a very strong largely experienced cast to tell this rather complicated story line. The casting was very strong in all roles headed by Jake Cunningham as the Beast/Prince his acting was excellent and he was able to display his very fine voice in several well chosen numbers. He was well supported by Rosalie Newton-van den Berg as Belle again with an excellent stage presence and a very tuneful voice. Paul Wilkinson (Nanny Nightnurse) playing his favourite type of Dame role was as brilliant as always and was well supported by Christopher Littler-Moore as Brie Chris brings a breath of life into any role he plays especially into panto 'silly son' ones he acted and sung with complete confidence and audiences love him. Debbie Kenworthy The Wicked Fairy played her part with great style and relish and her opposing role The Spirit of the Mirror played by Kelsie Kenworthy (her daughter) was a most charming fairy. All the other supporting characters gave much support and did much to enhance this very difficult story line. The stage sets were good and some excellent costumes along with well organised music and excellent choreography gave us a most entertaining evening.

Reviewer: NOEL G.RIGG

Normanton Musical Theatre Society opened their post pandemic activities with a production of Oliver always a popular choice with both the society members and audiences with so many well loved parts and dance routines to perform. The casting was very good in the major roles and well backed up by all the supporting cast members, Jenny Waring as Oliver performed with confidence and sung her songs very well as did Brad Shaw-Sullivan as The Artful Dodger he gained confidence as the performance progressed regretably both the above were on the outer limits both height and agewise for their roles. Michael Tattersall as Mr. Bumble and Sharon Fry as Widow Corney both enjoyed their roles especially in the eye catching number 'I Shall Scream' . Jake Cunningham as Fagin gave a very fine acting portrayal of the role and displayed an excellent singing voice. Victoria Wilkinson was indeed a super Nancy in a role most suitable to her acting talents and wonderful voice sung with just the right accent for the part. The very good looking stage set along with the good lighting and sound and well organised costumes did much for this production.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

Cinderella is perhaps the most popular pantomime of all with so many excellent roles of which a very strong experienced team made the most. Juliet Pepper (Cinderella) gave us a most charming Cinderella and was well matched with Chloe Butcher (Prince Charming) they both gave fine acting and singing performances. Jessica Fahey (Dandini) was indeed a most confident performer she sings acts and dances with great style. Chris Littler-Moore (Buttons) playing a role he revels in made the most of every second he was on stage. The Ugly Sisters Paul Wilkinson (Bella) and Tim Guest (Stella) are both happy in this type of role and gave us many good comedy sequences to laugh at they were well supported by Debbie Kenworthy (Baroness Griselda) she was suitably evil and bombastic. Rosalie Newton-Van Den Berg (Fairy Godmother) was just perfect for this role. Malcolm Whatcott (Baron Hardup) was a most suitable down trodden baron. Grace Mutch (Muffin the Cat) enjoyed her first small part. I enjoyed the well played and well selected musical numbers.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

Singing In The Rain is a wonderful show packed with lots of well known musical numbers instantly remembered from the film production. The show in the main revolves around four central characters who all have great roles to play Fraser Sugden (Don Lockwood) led the way with some excellent singing dancing and acting most impressive in the song and dance number 'Singing In The Rain' regrettably the projected rain was not too convincing. Chris Littler-Moore (Cosmo Brown) gave great support to Don his Strong personality was most suited to this comic role his 'Make 'em Laugh' number was well performed. Victoria Wilkinson (Kathy Seldon) supported Don and Cosmo with some excellent acting and fine vocal contributions. Rosalie Newton-van den Berg (Lina Lamont) gave a most eye catching performance as the silent movie star whose caustic voice made her unsuited for talking movies she kept the voice up all through the show - no mean task! I felt the show would have benefitted from less use of black box type stage sets and a little less agressive sound system.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

This pantomime contained a number of regular performers with Normanton pantomime productions. Paul Wilkinson (Widow Twankey) is one of them and as usual gave an excellent performance. Steve Littler was a most evil Abanazar as the wicked uncle. Anya Carragher (Aladdin) and Rosalie Newton Van Den Berg (Princess Jasmine) both sung their numbers with confidence. Chloe Butcher (The Slave of the Ring) gave a most impressive performance as did Chris Littler-Moore (Wishee Washee) he is always outstanding in this type of role. The general company numbers and the solo items were well sung but there was some lack of cohesion at the start of songs and the tapes. The sets were an excellent feature of the show and were very well designed and constructed and did much to enhance this pantomime.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

The show centres around the Musical Theatre Committee Meeting trying to decide what kind of show to give for their next production. The final decision being a 'Songs from the Shows' style. The committee meetings had some amusing moments around who would sit where. We were to hear numbers from a variety of shows by various composers and writers such as Disney, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Abba. Margaret Melvin introduced the various sections in an amusing way and also sung and performed Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'As if we never said goodbye' in great style. There were also a number of other well sung solo performances.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

This was an excellent pantomime (Oh yes it was!) full of fun and some great visual comedy. Paul Wilkinson (Mother Goose) the Dame gave his usual impecable performance in the type of role at which he excels. Charlotte Wilson (Jill Goose) and Rosalie Newton Van Den Berg (Jack) both complimented each other with fine performances. Jordan Barker (Billy Goose) another young man born into amateur theatre has already got experience in major roles he did a great job keeping the audience involved. Steve Littler (Squire Skiddleflint) did very well in his first panto his son is a hard act to follow. Mention must be made of Katie Golby (Pricilla the Goose) she gave a most endearing performance. Gillian Shearon (Fairy Fluff) got better and more confident as the show progressed a very promising performance. Last but certainly not least Chris Littler-Moore (The Demon King) a brilliant performance by any standards he had the audience shaking in their shoes! I loved all the show but most of all the two old comedy numbers The Twelve Days Of Christmas and the Two Decorators with the plank routine, still the best to entertain both children and adults it never fails.

Reviewer: NOEL. G.RIGG

Little Shop of Horrors needs one thing above all else and that is a man eating plant and this production had the biggest and best that I have seen and it was very well controlled by the operatives. The casting was strong in all roles. Seymour (Jordan Barker) is fast becoming a very confident, accomplished performer and he was brilliantly supported by Audrey (Sophie Golby) she sang and acted with a most polished style and was a pleasure to watch. The singing quintet Chiffon, Crystal, Ronnette, Vandella and Shirelle were most enjoyable giving the production some very good vocal contributions. Paul Wilkinson (Mushnik) gave a well studied performance as the troubled flower shop owner and Orin Scrivello (Tim Guest) was excellent as the Mad Dentist. The show was well organised in all areas but did suffer a little with perhaps just a touch strong accompaniment in the underscoring of some of the dialogue.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

Oh yes it was! This was a smashing pantomime full of all the necessary ingredients of song,dance and comedy. The casting was extremely strong, full of very experienced performers in all kinds of productions. You could hardly hope to get a better couple than Pippa Slater (Robin Hood) and Samantha Hayward (Maid Marion) they sang and acted with great style to the superb backing tracks accompaniment. Nick Wray was a very convincing evil Sheriff who was well thwarted by the charming Fairy Gliss (Rose Newton Van Den Berg). They do not come better than Paul Wilkinson (Nanny Bunions) when it comes to Dame parts, his enjoyment in the role was self evident. Graeme Hemingway (Dan) the Sheriff's co conspiritor in plotting to kill the babes was most likeable but could not carry out the deadly deed. The two babes Jane (Jennifer Waring) and John (Eleanor Shearon) were both charming and confident. Chris Littler-Moore (Billy Hood) gave a fantastic performance he was outstanding even amongst such a brilliant cast.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

This was a most enjoyable production full of well known Cole Porter musical numbers and many comedy situations which this, in the main, very experienced cast, exploited to the full under the excellent direction of David Hartill & Chris Oxley. Jessica Beever in her first full production as choreographer achieved super results in the many production numbers especially the 'Blow Gabriel Blow' one. The cast was strong in all roles Graeme Hemingway (Billy Crocker) sang and acted the role with great confidence and stage presence as did Paul Wilkinson (Moonface Martin), good to see Paul in a different role from Dame parts as is his speciality. Chris Littler-Moore (Purser) made this small cameo part one to remember with his very camp presentation. Cevin Barker (Elisha J.Whitney) was every inch the somewhat rather inebriated business tycoon just right I felt. Margaret Melvin (Mrs. Wadsworth T. Harcourt) was just great as the domineering mother and Charlotte Wilson (Hope Harcourt) as the dutiful daughter was confident and gave great support to Billy. Bonnie (Samantha Hayward) I felt that she gave a well thought out performance but regretably on Friday evening a badly tuned microphone just about ruined her performance. Darren Smith (Sir Evelyn Oakleigh) this is a most difficult role to play and be convincing without going 'OTT' but without doubt Darren got it just perfect - The 'Let's Misbehave' number with Reno was possitively fantastic. Any production of Anything Goes needs a fantastic leading lady and this one had Pippa Slater (Reno Sweeney), playing a role she knows and loves, was simply amazing. She commandeered the stage at all times with some fine acting and tremendous vocal contributions, especially in the very demanding 'Blow Gabriel Blow' number. She received great support from her six angels who acted sung and danced with great appeal. The small orchestra and brilliant costumes did much to enhance this most enjoyable production.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

Panto time is here again and so to 5 Towns we go. We are called again by the Bow Bell of Normanton 5 Towns to see their annual pantomime Dick Whittington and His Cat. A somewhat smaller company than in the past seasons but still very enthusiastic. Samantha Hayward (Dick Whittington) again charmed us with some very strong vocal contributions. Charlotte Wilson (Principal girl) was a very confident Alice Fitzwarren but did perhaps over act on some occasions. Katie Golby (Idle Jackie) gave us a very lively performance but again perhaps a little over enthusiastic. Paul Wilkinson (Sarah the Cook) always gives a first class performance keeping the show bubbling along in the humour department. Francesca Lawn (Tommy the Cat) gave a most heart warming performance and her acrobatic cat dance was outstanding and superbly choreographed. The most eye catching performances were from Chris Littler-Moore (King Rat) and Lisa Hambleton (Fairy Bow Bells) they played against each other brilliantly both giving super performances.

Reviewer: G Rigg

This showcase production was the product of 90 years working hard to bring live musical theatre to the people of Normanton and the surrounding district. The production was made up of a selection of musical numbers and sketches many of which have been featured by the society over the past years. All the numbers were well sung, produced and choreographed. The full cast for most of the numbers gave a most enthusiastic and enjoyable performance particularly outstanding were 'I'm Getting Married In The Morning' and 'Master Of The House' contributions. The 'All I Ask Of You' sung by Samantha Hayward and Matthew Reather was brilliant. The show was well staged and costumed and the lighting and sound was up to the usual high standard.

Reviewer: Geoffrey Haywood

~~Oh yes it is! Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it was! This was indeed a superb pantomime, full of the usual comedy and the not so usual, good chorus singing and dancing and an absolute plethora of principals who worked together as well rehearsed cast.

Jack (Charlotte Wilson) and Princess Primrose (Sophie Golby) fulfilled their roles beautifully, giving excellent interpretations of their roles and this, coupled with their enthusiastic singing, gave a solid foundation to the show.

Piccalilli the Witch (Joanne Burgess) and Fairy Sugardust (Jessica Young) were exactly as they should have been, totally at cross purposes with each other and giving the audience scope for lusty booing and cheering. King Hubert (Malcolm Whatcott) was quite eccentric and scatterbrained but was kept on course by Queen Hyacinth (Margaret Melvin) in the role of a lady who always has to answer for her husband as he never seemed to get anything right (at least some of the time)

Snatchet, Scarper, and Rancid the two broker’s men and the witches henchman (Katie Golby, Adam Lovell and Chris Littler-Moore) were good as the clowns of the show, whilst Graeme Hemingway playing the Giant was a very menacing large ogre which was not surprising considering all the padding and platform soles he had to wear. Stewart Wilson and Paul Shearon as Buttermilk the cow got the usual ooohs and aaahs fron the audiene particularly as the hapless animal was dragged off to market.

Humphrey (Nick Wray) was a suitably pompous person who announced the arrivals and departures of the Royalty

Last, but by no means the least were Dame Dotty Dimple (Paul Wilkinson) and Simple Simon (Tim Guest) who kept the audience well and truly entertained with their quick repartee and general fooling about as befits a typical pantomime dame and the village idiot.

The costumes were of a first class order and it was obvious that much thought had gone into this department showing the differences between the poor village people and the rich courtiers.

The staging and the lighting were of a very high order and added to the overall enjoyment of the evening

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

5 Towns I feel are a fast growing society which seem to improve year on year. This years production was of a very good standard with some very fine principals. Mark Taylor (The King) was very impressive I have seen him perform this role twice before and I think he just gets better each time. His partnership with Anna (Samantha Hayward) worked very well she sang very well and gave a fine studied performance as the slightly stately governess. Sophie Golby (Tuptim) gave a fine performance as she told the story of The Small House of Uncle Thomas and she coped quite well with the very difficult song My Lord and Master. Harrison Hartley was a very fine Louis with excellent diction and sang very well, as did Nicholas Wray (Prince Chulalongkorn) he got his acting just right as he gained knowledge from Anna. All the other small parts were well cast. The sets were again outstanding both in design and construction and worked very well. The good sound, costumes and orchestra gave us all a fine night's enjoyment.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

This was a very happy and lively production. The casting was very good in all roles. The leading roles of Snow White (Jessica Beever) and Prince Ferdinand of Farawasia (Jodie Slater) both sang and moved well on stage. The comedy in the hands of Chris Littler-Moore (Edna Bucket) and Adam Lovell (Chuckles) was well organised and played especially well for such young people, they kept the show bubbling along. The seven dwarfs were outstanding and superbly trained with excellent diction, you could here every word wherever they were on stage. The excellent stage sets and a very good sound system gave us all a fine night's entertainment.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

This was a very well organised production with good portrayals by all the main principals.Samantha Hayward was a most suitable choice for the role of Maria singing and acting with a very nice easy confident style. Valerie Millward was very impressive as the Mother Abbess with a lovely sympathetic understanding of the part and of course superb singing and she was well supported by Sister Berthe (Joanne Burgess) Sister Margaretta (Margaret Phelps) and Sister Sophia (Carole Sadler). David Rosamund managed the difficult role of Captain Georg von Trapp, turning from the stern to the very likeable loving husband and father, very well indeed with perhaps a little problem vocal songwise. David Hartill gave us a super performance as Max Detweiler a role he knows and plays so well. The children were outstanding, their singing and dancing was a great tribute to the rehearsing they must have done. Perhaps a final word of praise for the set design,construction and decoration it was simply outstanding and very well organised, it gave great flow to the production.

Reviewer: NOEL G. RIGG

There was much to admire in this production, the cast was strong in all roles. Margaret Melvin gave us a very strong commanding performance as Baroness Hardup and the Ugly Sisters Daniel Senior and Chris Littler-Moore were most convincing. Victoria Parker had delightful stage presence and sang well with Prince Charming (Pippa Slater), who gave us an excellent robust performance. There was excellent support from Dandini (Bethany Beever) and Fairy Godmother (Louise Whitworth) who did much for the production. However the star of the pantomime was Matthew Reather as Buttons, he was simply outstanding in everything he did, he kept bubbling along with his singing and great humour. The show gained much from the wonderful set built and designed by Charlie Slater.