Written by Paul Reakes, by arrangement with Samuel French Ltd.
Directed by Ron Whitcher
Pantomania hit Medstead recently, bringing all the colour, razzmatazz and high spirits of a traditional Christmas show.
Designed to herald the festive season, Little Jack Horner by Paul Reakes, proved an adaptable vehicle for the Medstead Players to do just that.
The wealth of talent, always surprising in a small community, flowed onto the stage with the young taking an exceptionally strong lead. And none more so than 14-year-old Anita Bone who, as Little Jack Horner, displayed a mature and lively command — a natural trouper from head to toe.
Heather Coombs, as Gipsy Rose had a delightful singing voice, as did Karin Withey who seems to grow in confidence with every new production.
Bertie and Gertie, her two "star" pupils made a terrific double act, unusual because they were both women (Ann Penn and Dianne Nicholls) — to complement the more traditional duo of gipsy chief, Vaseleno alias Matt Parratt and Bopo, his sidekick played by Neil Higgins — another natural.
Stalwart John Gregory made a lasting impression as the "silly old sovereign" King Marmaduke, forming a cheerfully striking contrast to Queen, Tina Higgins, who commanded a terrifyingly powerful, if regal, set of lungs!
Jane Foames, as Prince Peter, made a typically dashing leading boy, and Mike Overy, a traditionally scheming baddie as Graball, The Lord Chamberlain.
There couldn't have been a kinder and more convincing gypsy than Pam Kercher, nor a more accomplished pantomime horse than the man-eating Pedro.
And, of course, there was the dame — larger than life and considerably more colourful, Stan Whitcher, as the startling Dame Dimwit couldn't fail to amaze. She, or was it he, took full advantage of the flamboyant range of costumes designed for the show by Tana Riviere, who was also responsible for the superb sets.
The music, lighting and sound were also extremely effective, providing firm evidence of a first class backstage team including, in particular, musical director, Richard Toll; choreographer, Laraine Fisher; stage manager, Dick Smith; producer, Anita Prior; and, of course, director, Ron Whitcher.
Another success for the Medstead Players, the only criticism being that the performance was about half an hour too long, time which could easily have been cut during some of the more repetitive school scenes perhaps — but certainly not the sing-along — that is an absolute 'must' for every good pantomime and enjoyed by one and all! [MEH]
Cast:
Bertie, a pupil - Ann Penn
Gertie, a pupil - Dianne Nicholls
Patience, a teacher - Karin Withy
Dame Dimwit, the headmistress - Stan Witcher
Little Jack Horner - Marion Rogers
King Marmaduke, a ruler - John Gregory
The Queen, his ruler - Tina Higgins
Prince Peter, their son - Jane
Graball, the evil Lord Chamberlain - Mike Overy
Rosa, a gypsy girl - Heather Combes
King Marmaduke, a ruler - John Gregory
Vasaleno, the gypsy thief - Matt Parratt
Bopo, his sidekick - Neil Higgins
