What a joy to see a well-performed old fashioned family pantomime. This was my first visit to Nomads and their lovely theatre. Thank you so much for the back-stage tour. I envy you your own space!
The sets were simple but effective, and having a fly tower makes using backcloths a quick and efficient way of changing scenes. I particularly liked the moveable bush! On the whole, lighting was good but there were occasions when the musical numbers were seriously underlit at the front of the stage area, making the principals disappear, especially during the Mambo and Bad Guys. I would have liked a snappier ‘black out’ after the cake scene. The sound balance was good; well done James Marr for not overpowering the voices, although in the ‘rock’ numbers in the second act it was a little difficult to hear all the words. Occasionally Puss and Dame Hettie were a little under- projected. I loved the costumes, which were colourful and gorgeous. What a treat to have a change of costumes for the finale!
The opening scene set the tone of the evening with colour and good harmony, but where were the smiles in the back row? There were times when the action was in ‘straight lines’ and this should be watched. The juniors were well rehearsed and constantly smiling, apart from the ‘bunnies routine’, which might have needed more work.
Melanie Kemp (Jack) was a ‘proper’ principal boy with good attack, presence and voice. Elaine Burns (Puss) was suitably clever and moved well (I would have liked her to have black claws – but this is personal!). I would also have liked a little more ‘swaggering’ but again this is personal. I thought Chris Rozier (Dame Hettie) was delightfully OTT and filled the stage well. Maurice Buckley (King Herbert) was beautifully over-ruled by Rae Ann Wightwick (Queen Mildred). Kayleigh Melluish (Princess Alice) was beautiful (as she should be) and Richard Peachey (Lord Roger) was suitably villainous. Nathan Farrell and Stuart Tomkins (henchmen) played their comedy to the hilt and were a joy to watch. Paul Asher (narrator) was clear, pointed and played straight with tongue in cheek.
All in all, an excellent evening’s entertainment with good corny jokes – a proper panto performed well! Congratulations Jeff and Nomads. Thanks to you all, and I look forward to your next production.
Danny Sparkes
archie kitter master keen was the best one out there but should have done some more acting