Christmas in Pantoland, Danbury Players, Dec 18, 2008

 Director – Sindy Carmichael Brown;   Musical Director – Jo Cocklin

There is always a warm feeling of welcome and inclusion at Danbury Players’ pantomime. This year was no different although the pantomime itself, written and directed by Sindy Carmichael Brown, was.  The central plot of the anthropomorphic dog, Mopsy, being looked after by Widow Woopsie, was clever and stuck to Panto tradition. I must have missed how, why or who turned him into a dog but the appearance of the Fairy Dogmother was a neat play on words as well as sticking to tradition. Each of these characters were well done, especially Mopsy, who was able to lose self-consciousness in the costume and use his eyes very expressively.

Cruella D’Ville managed to combine the evil laugh with a slinkiness that enhanced her cod cruelty. Trini and Little Willy were especially funny, being at ease with the audience and with each other. The Spice Girls sang and danced well although there were some problems with the balance of sound between band and singers from where I was sitting. This was the case throughout and I suspect the band was a little loud while the radio mikes were too often attached to clothes rather than taped to the side of the head or forehead, which is usual. This trick then means that the mike doesn’t pick up the rustling of clothes or the volume change as the singer moves her head from side to side. The costumes were really good and the sets lovely. Overall, this was an enjoyable evening in which everyone did well and almost everyone had a named part, no doubt providing those who want it with an opportunity to shine. Having said all that the concept was excellent and with some judicious pruning this could be a winner. It must be remembered that many of the great musicals in history were tried out in the provinces and reworked according to audience feedback before launching on Broadway or the West End.

I look forward to seeing the Big Brother curtains in 2009!

Reviewer – Stewart Adkins