On Thursday 3rd July at 7pm, me, my boyfriend Aaron, my friends Robyn Matty and Joanne, and also Shez and Lou who were seated separately, attended the Little Theatre in Doncaster to see their adaptation of Peter Pan.
It was quite funny because for some reason we had it in our heads this production was going to be a pantomime, so then obviously we questioned: “Why would there be a pantomime in July? Not Christmas or Easter?” Haha 🤣
This adaptation marked the theatre’s 30th anniversary, and 54 years of Simon Carr, the director, being involved in the arts
I was pleasantly surprised as the production surpassed my expectations. Being a “little” theatre, you assume it might lack professionalism, both in acting and stage technicality. Yet, I thoroughly enjoyed it 😁😁
Peter Pan, the play, was first produced by JM Barrie, a Scottish playwright in 1904, in 1928 the definitive version was published in 5 acts. Peter Pan, the protagonist, depicted as selfish and somewhat anarchical, entering the mythological sphere as the “eternal boy” figure
In 1953, Walt Disney introduced the continually popular animated film in which the cartoon Peter is less villainous and more so charming and impish
The story is embedded in our popular culture. Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, the tiny fairy, visits the Darling’s household nursery in London, Peter is trying to retrieve his lost shadow. Offering Wendy and her two brothers the chance to fly away to Neverland, to be young forever. Wendy becoming the mothering storyteller for the Lost Boys, in which Peter is the captain. An island populated by evil pirates and the sworn enemy of Peter, Captain Hook. The tick-tocking crocodile who has engulfed Hook’s hand. The leader of the “redskins braves” Tiger Lily, one of many girls desperate for Peter’s affections, though I don’t think he’s really that bothered! … Fun, quests and adventures… The play was born from fantasy games and tales JM Barrie played and told children
As we congregated to our seats, before the play began, Gran (Jo Chorlton) swinged gently on a rocking chair knitting, opening with her grandson Ralph sitting patiently, waiting for a bedtime story, the tale of Peter Pan and Neverland, a place where children never grow up.
Some notable performances:
Lily-May Barker-Jones did an astonishing job of playing Wendy, demure and conservative. John was played greatly by Leon Dejk, and Michael by a highly impressive young girl Faith Armitage, who, for a very small child, projected and expressed herself fabulously.
Adam Parkin was fantastic and convincing as a spirited Peter Pan. He is actually good friends with my mate Shez, who decided to come with us to offer support. I recognised Kayleigh Harding (Tootles, Lost Boy) from her previously playing Cinderella, she is friends with my pal Matty. Phil Towe I remembered also from the Aladdin pantomime. He performed both Mr Darling and the pirate Cookson.
Robert Stevens as Captain Cook was epic. Great demanding stage presence, slightly camp, a delightfully devilish delivery. Smee (Cole Blakely) was likewise idiosyncratic in his expression
My favourite character by far was Tinkerbell played by the very talented Rachel Cunningham. Although she had no dialogue (and I even joked to Aaron, “I bet it took her ages to learn her lines!”) her exaggerated mannerisms and body language were on point and highly comical
The props were minimalist and simple, yet the performance completely seamless. I particularly enjoyed the visual representation of the jaw snapping green crocodile🐊
Yes, perhaps a stripped back adaptation of the classic tale, but artistic, with original catchy songs, diverse casting of talented performers, imaginative and an absolute pleasure to watch…
We wanted it to NEVER end!
For my next UnicornPostbox blog post, I am still on with nightly crescent 🌙 moon diamond art, 💎 🎨 I intend to start a celebrity portrait of Keane Reeves soon, also there is a Wonky Donkey pub painting in August 🥰🥰
Thank you as ever for taking the time to read/view 💕 Much love, Lauren xx
[Information obtained from the official Doncaster Little Theatre official program]
This year, I have had the privilege to see five different Christmas pantomimes. Jack and the Beanstalk twice at Cast Doncaster, two amateur productions of Cinderella, and Alice in Wonderland.
The magic of pantomime – charming princes, a bit of banter, slap-stick comedy, running jokes, musical singalongs, wonderful costumes, bright and cheerful encounters, happy endings and living happily ever afters, what is not to love?
Jack and the Beanstalk:
I went on Tuesday 3rd December to see Jack and the Beanstalk with my grandma, and again with my close friend Robyn on Saturday 21st December. It was fantastic! Written by Neil Hurst and directed by Tess Seddon.
The ‘baddie’ this year was the sensational Robyn McIntyre as Countess Freshcreep. Such a sinister character with a very high pitched wail of a voice and a cruel cackle. My other favourite character was Silly Billy, played by Harry Gascoigne. I can remember him from last year’s panto. He was so energetic and had such an uplifting stage presence, encouraging the kids in the audience to shout ‘Don’t be silly, Billy’.
Ben Eagle as the Dame was brilliant too. He admitted in an interview that “the joy of playing a dame is that you get to flirt with the men!” Because his demeanor is so typically butch and blokey, it was very comical seeing him frolic around the stage in drag. It just works. He had plentiful ridiculous costume changes such as becoming a burger, a baked bean, a jelly bean and a runner bean!
Daisy the cow was so cute and “udderly over the moon” to be in this year’s production.
Joe Parker played a great Jack Trott, very expressive on stage, however I felt that his singing voice was not as professional as some of the others in my opinion, he kind of shouted a bit, which was a shame
Born and bred Sheffield lass Becca Lee-Isaacs was amazing as Jill, as was Misha Malcolm as Mother Nature, both had a very soothing, kind presence… I would say, actually, that all the other ensemble were marvellous too, the dancers and tap dancers in the junior ensemble
Something which really struck me this year was how wonderful the stage/props were. The way the Beanstalk grew from the well, towering upwards and spiralling sideways, was a truly magical sight. And the giant! WOW! I have never seen anything like it. He was ginormous, completely dominating the stage. I don’t know how they did it, making him animated.
It was funny how the goose laid a golden egg, water being sprayed into the audience with water pistols, cream pies in faces. It was hilarious hearing Silly Billy and Dame Trott attempting, and succeeding, an elaborate tongue twister, and Countess Fleshcreep’s cockroaches (esemble) creeping around behind the cast “They’re behind you!” Audience participation and children getting up on stage at the end of the show, personalising their own version of E.I.E.I.O. “Which side can sing the loudest?”
Very festive, and very fabulous 👌
Cinderella (Little Theatre):
Although Cinderella at Doncaster Little Theatre was only an amateur production, it was still rather pleasant. I went on Thursday 12th December with my friends Matty, Lynne, Joanne, Robyn, Chris and my boyfriend Aaron.
Cinderella, played by Kayleigh Harding was very elegant and demure, Buttons (Josh Dunphy) convincingly madly in love with her. The two young lads Benjamin Harding and Cole Blakely playing the Prince and Dandini were refreshing and vibrant and interchanged their roles perfectly.
Fairy G aka fairy godmother (Rhiannon Clark) played her part quite well, as did Baron Hardup (Malcolm Coy), and the Baroness (Chris Bolus), all contributing to an enjoyable pantomime experience.
The true stars of the show were however, in my opinion, Grizelda and Gertrude (Phil Towe and Alan Clark), the ugly sisters! They were highly amusing picking on a poor man in the audience, and kept teasing him! I think it’s fun for us in the audience when the cast members improvise – it adds another element to the performance, makes it more personable. Always good, a bit of banter.
As I say, a much smaller production but still good festive fun, with all the usual pantomime shenanigans…
“Oh, yes it was!”
“Oh, no it wasn’t!”
“Oh, yes it was!”
Alice in Wonderland:
My favourite pantomime to see this year was the Hatfield Woodhouse Phoenix Theatre Group production of Alice in Wonderland. I went on Thursday 2nd January with my best friend Robyn and her mum and dad, and my other best friend, Lou. I was anticipating this would be a good one, as I immensely enjoyed their Wizard of Oz last year.
They did rather well converting a classic children’s story into a pantomime for all ages (although it must be said, Carrol’s creation has been interpreted by many as adult themed).
The director of this year’s pantomime (Tina Bradbury) insisted to find a script, however challenging as it may be, not so traditional, but rather a funny, interesting and unusual one – surpassing expectations while keeping the panto magic alive. She made a few tweaks, to up the entertainment and keep everyone laughing, however, all of Carrol’s characters we know and love made appearances. Such as, Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat, Mad Hatter and the March Hare, Caterpillar etc
In this production, Wonderland is in grave danger. A wicked man, the Knave of Spades (Neil Scanlon) is hell bent on taking control of all Wonderland, and all the world! The Wizard of Muddleup Wood (Ian Weeks) can save this awful fate by means of a magical golden heart
In a world where the White Rabbit’s (Andy Green) large pocket watch can interrupt and alter time, Tweedledum and Tweedledee (Kev Bluck and Chris Bradbury) are hypnotised, the Queen of Hearts (Sue Lane) summons her strict Sargent (Ann Littlefield) to “off with their heads”, her subdued husband (Steve Mullen – King of Hearts) silently obeying her every command, where a lazy Caterpillar (Helen Bluck) smokes pipes and a bunch of high hippies wander in the woods trying to find Glastonbury, a Cheshire Cat (Kate Green) saunters mischievously, and Mad Hatter (Helen Green) and March Hare (Becky Bluck) host very very very very happy unbirthdays!
Helen Green was absolutely marvellous as the Mad Hatter, with all the quirks and idiosyncrasies. The White Rabbit made me really laugh as well, he was so much in character trembling about “I’m late, I’m late, for a very important date!”. The Prince of Diamonds (Grace Stevenson) and Princess Ruby of Hearts (Chloe Allen) did a great job. Alice (Jess Turner) although she admittedly did not shrink or grow in size (which would be pretty much impossible) her performance was most impressive and she had a lovely singing voice.
Her mother in the production was Dame Milly (Matt Allen), who, as all dames do, had an ongoing joke and flirt with the male audience members. Wally the Joker (Ernie Tonge) was a return cast member from last year, playing the joker then too I believe. Every time on stage he would say: “I say, I say, I say” followed by a corny joke. But it’s a pantomime, what’s not to love?! Cheer the goodies, boo the baddies!
All the cast, and all the chorus, did magnificently well. I particularly liked the Green Haggis, i.e. a little girl dressed as a cheeky haggis monster, scaring those on stage! “It’s behind you!”
The props and staging were again top-notch. My most favourite part was when they turned the lights off and beautiful fluorescent butterflies fluttered around the stage. It was truly visually and aesthetically stunning
Cinderella (Armthorpe Community Centre):
The final pantomine I had the pleasure of seeing this year was Cinderella at Armthorpe Community Centre, on Saturday 4th January for Robyn’s birthday! It was a great privilege as our friend Sandy played the fairy godmother. She was sensational!
This pantomime was pretty traditional, with a few surprises.
The ugly sisters, Gertrude (Emily O’Shea) and Grizelda (Lynne Piper) were uncharacteristically played by two women, not men in drag. They were hilarious. Emily (Gertrude) reminded me very much of Rebel Wilson, both in her looks and mannerisms (I bet she’s heard that one before!). The male victim in this panto was poor Ryan, who was the blunt of all Grizelda’s jokes.
I felt sorry for Rubella Hardup (Kirsty Stewart) as she forgot one of her lines, but picked it back up perfectly. Her husband Baron Hardup (Graham Newton) played another submissive role to a matriarchal domineering wife.
Buttons (Colm O’Conner) was very confident and charismatic, slick and smooth. Whenever anyone went near his childhood teddy, Bob the Bear, the audience members were encouraged to shout “Buttons! Bob the bear is being bothered!” Cinderella (Gemma Christina) played a lovely part, as did Dandini (Courtney Holdridge), but I was absolutely blown away by Chloe White who played Prince Charming. Her voice was outstanding and angelic and she definitely belongs in the West End.
Two characters adapted in were Bodget (Colin Head) and Leggett (Andy Barrington) as two comical demolition workers, knocking plastic hammers on heads instead of nails. Most hilarious however was the pantomime horse, which as we know, is two actors partnered in a single costume to theatrically represent a real horse, front and back! It was so funny seeing them try to get on and off the stage!
I know we are biased, but Sandy was a delight as Fairy G, sophisticated, graceful, so very pretty and sparkly
Something I loved about this pantomime was all the children were invited onto the stage at the end to sing and dance to Music Man “I am the music man, I come from far away, and I can play…” etc. A lovely gesture.
Helen Evans (the director/producer) did a terrific job!
Overall, I have had a wonderful festive time at this year’s pantomimes. The Easter panto at Cast is Pinocchio in April, to which I have already obtained tickets and Peter Pan is on at Doncaster Little Theatre in July…so watch this space!
Thank you as ever for reading/viewing. I much appreciate your support.
On 14th December, me and my best friend Robyn went to Cast Doncaster to see ‘Beauty and the beast’ the family pantomime. The theatre script was written by Neil Hurst and Tess Seddon directed
Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve wrote the first version of the fairy tale beauty and the beast, but it was adapted and abridged by Jeanne Marie le Prince de Beaumont, a French novelist. This is the tale we are most familiar. Influenced by ‘Cupid and psyche’ Ancient Greek stories, and the second century AD ‘The golden ass’. In terms of folktales, 4000 years ago it is estimated to have originated – and to this day there are still plentiful variants all around the world
The pantomime was spectacular, the acting superb. ‘Dame Cherie Trifle’ (Ben Eagle) was hilarious, as was ‘Philippe Philoppe’ (Harry Gascoigne), with fantastic frolics and fun throughout. ‘Emile’ (Max Gallagher) was everything you want in a baddie, and more. Arrogant, narcissistic, with a wicked laugh and a pompous pose. ‘Fairy Nuff’ (Claire Storey) was an absolute delight, a breath of fresh air, with her kindness and calming presence. ‘Beauty’ (Zweyla Mitchell dos Santos) was elegant and mesmerising, the ‘Beast’ (Kofi Dennis) transformed from irritable, moody and impatient to charismatic, charming and compassionate. With a brilliant modern song playlist, to fabulous costumes and aesthetics, it certainly did not disappoint.
Me and Robyn were on aisle seats near the front so we were frightened they’d pick on us, haha! As it happens, the poor bloke in front of us was ushered up onto the stage, handed a pink apron and shower cap and encouraged to dance and make a slight fool of himself, ha!
There was great audience participation, as with all pantomimes.. He’s behind you! Oh no he isn’t! Oh yes he is! Plus, as expected, rivalry in a sing off at the end – those on the left versus those on the right of the theatre! Amazing 😁
Aladdin:
On 21st December, me, my best friend Robyn, Matty, Chris and Joanne went to see Doncaster’s Little Theatre Christmas pantomime of Aladdin. My friend matty was especially looking forward to it
The story of Aladdin originates from the Arabian Nights, One Thousand and One Nights, enchanting Middle Eastern tales. The French translation of 1704 by Antoine Galland popularised the tale. In early versions surprisingly it is set in China (not Disney’s Agrabah) and features a lazy boy residing with his mum, not the orphaned favourable ‘rags to riches’ Street urchin we know today
The cast of the Little Theatre’s amateur production include; Aladdin, Wishee Washee, Widow Twanky, Abanazar, Princess Jasmine, Sultan Pepper, Policeman Snap, Policeman Crackle, Genie of the lamp, slave of the ring, and Duck Norris.
In particular, I was impressed by Paul Stelling’s Abanazar (a banana!) – he was very convincing in his portrayal of a baddie, with deep voiced powerful projection of his words. Likewise, the pantomime dame, Widow Twanky, was highly enjoyable to watch, and the Genie of the lamp flamboyant and sassy
However, it was quite evident Aladdin was only an amateur performance and not in the same league as say Cast, but for what it was, it was really good fun 😀
The Wizard of Oz:
The Wizard of Oz 1939, an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s 1990 children’s fantasy book, is one of my favourite films of all time. Young kansas farm girl Dorothy (Judy Garland) wooshed away with her little dog Toto to the magical world of Oz. Ruby slippers, the yellow brick road, emerald city, the wicked witch of the west, munchkin land – fragments of the story embedded firmly in most of our psyches. It truly is a terrific tale
I must say ‘The wonderful wizard of oz…the panto!’ by Hatfield Woodhouse Phoenix Theatre Group, to which me, my best friend Robyn and her parents attended on 7th January, was the best amateur production I have ever seen!
The girl who played Dorothy (Faith Cousins) had a beautiful voice, I was spellbound listening to her ‘Over the rainbow’ 🌈 The props, scenery and costumes were out of this world. The producer/ director Tina Bradbury, actually noted the incredible effort of the backstage team, ahead of schedule weeks before the opening performance – cast learning their lines and songs eagerly – phoenix members sacrificing their own precious time to paint and make scenery
It was so funny and highly entertaining. Custard pies thrown out into the audience, water pistols squirted.. the cowardly lion running petrified all around the premises! There was a flying house (extremely clever effects), creativity with expressing the cyclone, ribbons gushing- flying monkeys, cool hip munchkin outfits, and blue mohawk wigs. It was incredible. The acting was top notch – the cowardly lion, scarecrow and tin man executed perfectly, and Chloe Allen as ‘Grotbag’ the wicked witch, booed and heckled. In fact, the entire cast were awesome. I was so impressed and would 100% go to another Phoenix Theatre Group production 😄
Puss in Boots:
On 26th January, me, my best friend Robyn, Chris, another Chris and John and siobhan attended the Little theatre for a ‘backyard’s production’ Puss in Boots pantomime.
Our lovely friend Jack played both the king and Scottish ogre. He was marvellous as the ogre, with such a distinctive Scottish accent, even if the scary green mask frightened some children in the audience!
I must admit, you could definitely tell it was only an amateur production, but they tried their best. The music choices were nice, as we’re the costumes, and the singing voices were mostly in tune. Also, the dame was particularly decent. The actual plot was rather inventive and impressive. Felix the cat, persuading his master (not really royalty) Harry to slay the nasty ogre to win the princess’s hand in marriage. Very fitting for a pantomime. It was quite clever however and artistic, the ogre being defeated by magically turning into a mouse in the transformation cupboard! The show concluded with a good old sing song! 😄
I am so excited because on 1st February me and Robyn are off with two more of our friends, Sheridan and Tyler, to the lyceum theatre Sheffield to see a professional performance of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.. 🥰 The ‘Vivienne’ playing the wicked witch of the west, I can’t wait!
So please, look out for another theatre review coming very soon. I am also on with a Lion diamond art, so watch this space! 🎨💎🦁
Thank you as always for reading/viewing. All the best, Lauren xx
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