Panto is all about fun and believe me Shotley Drama Group’s version of Robinson Crusoe is Fun with a capital F punctuated with a belly full of laughs.
Fully anticipated gags and predictable panto cliches are overshadowed by slick one liners, ad-libs of the most natural of unscripted responses, from the most unlikely of sources.
The sheer joy and giggles when someone messes up a line is a refreshing joy to behold, compared to the usual wooden, nervous response.
Even the stereotypical ‘Oh yes we Have, Oh No You Haven’t, has an interesting twist and the feeling that the cast are actually enjoying performing is infectious, leading to a wonderful interaction between performers and audience.
What was also delightfully unusual is that, as wonderful as the children and teens were , the adults not only stepped up but actually eclipse their cute and talented upstarts, even those that instead of getting flustered at messing things up, just grinned and got on with the show.
For me it was the totally uninhabited joy of seeing this group, on stage and off, putting on a fun performance, especially the Nutcracker scene, where surely, not even the Bolshoi Ballet has ever have performed the Sugar Plum Fairy better, in a pantomime sort of way.
A special mention has to go to Brian Harvey, an outstanding dame who also directed and choreographed this excellent panto, with a lot of help from his friends. His contribution underlined how good leadership is not about position, privilege or rank, but more about understanding how to lead others – no doubt learning from others before him.
Connor Sams as threw himself into this, while Alex Leach was confident and commanding as Robinson Crusoe - as was love interest, the relaxed and gifted Abi Gleed as Polly who was sharp-witted and a delightful stalwart who displayed a wicked sense of awareness.
The villains, led by Guy Johnson, more than capably backed by Mel Connell and the evergreen Bob Oliver, were dastardly convincing.
Along with the wonderfully clever and colourful set and excellent lighting, the set, the energy, commitment and sheer fun everyone had makes this a special performance for both audience and cast – one to enjoy.
There were plenty of other memorable moments, which you should discover for yourselves by going along to the matiness at 2.30pm or the final curtain at 7.30 at Shotley Village Hall today, Saturday, February 18.
Shotley Drama Group
Robinson Crusoe
Shotley Village Hall