It's been a couple of years since Ketton Players have put on a traditional pantomime following the musical Scrooge last year and a pantomime by Players regular Celia Bramwell the previous winter, which although traditional in form told it's own story. Their return to the traditional Canon made this an important production for Ketton players and they once more showed the reason for their hard earned reputation for providing a great night out.This is Sue Browns 6th panto as director and her experience shows with her choice of a brilliant script by Peter Denyer. Although not as full of physical comedy as some pantos the jokes in this script come thick and fast and funny. It also includes an engaging array of well written characters which the cast make brilliant use of to keep the audience involved and entertained by the clearly told story.
The Whole cast put in a great performance but as ever some performances were particularly note worthy. One such performance was that of the Snow White's step mother Evil Queen Morgiana, brought of wonderfully by Jill Holmes who shone in her role as vampish fem-fatal, but switched seamlessly to old crone when the time came without falling out of character.
Another regular back on stage for this production is one Ketton players longest serving members Robert (Collin) Dobell. Although not in the dame role that he is perhaps best known for Collin proved to be on his best form for some time in the role of Herman the Henchman, an emotionally complex role that made use of Collin's long experience.
Another note worthy performance was that of Jo Nicholas as Muddles The Jester. It's the first time I've seen the fool's roll played in the style of the current fashionable crop of female stand up comedienne's. This was a style that could only work with a scrip full of good jokes. Fortunately the script was full of good jokes so Jo's performance drove the show on with welcome style.
One of the pleasures of watching Ketton Players Pantos over the years is spotting the new talent with the potential to go in to great things among the younger members of the cast. Snow White herself (Lauren Reynolds) is an excellent example of this. The lead girl is often a hard role to do well, but Lauren's Charisma made this Snow White one the audience wanted to see win. Also to be noted was Lauren's obvious singing ability, which kept clear of the thin reedy performances that can occasionally dog the lead girl role.
More Junior talent shone out from the ranks of the Seven Dwarfs. All turned in performances to be proud of; well disciplined yet full of individual character. The two talents that particularly won the audiences hearts were the casts youngest member Gavin Curtis as Snoozy and Shea Williams who took on the role of the mute dwarf Loopy in a brilliantly emotive performance.
One thing the director says on the night the parts are given out for every panto I've ever been in is how important the chorus is. For all that this is mostly said to stop those members of the cast without speaking roles from walking away, it is none the less very true. The chorus this time discharged their role very well. Particularly note worthy was the performance of the Monster Mash and the quartet of "Queen's Men" who's Hey Big Spender will probably be remembered for some time.
I'd like to make special note of the sets which have taken much hard work (and in the case of Laurens Wilming pain) but were suitably impressive.
All in all an excellent show. There are three more performances to go next Friday and Saturday (4th and 5th of December). Tickets are selling fast but you may yet be lucky if you Phone Jill or Paul on 01440 713137 or visit Kedington Butchers. Tickets £6, £5 concessions.
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