Panto's a real treasure
The Panto Factory presents Treasure Island at
PANTO fun in the middle of February? Oh yes there was!
An energetic and enthusiastic cast brought
this popular tale of treacherous pirates and opportunistic yokels to life with
a mix of gags, songs, slapstick and a smattering of double entendres for the
grown ups.
Every good panto relies on the strength of its lead characters and this
production was well served by Tim Hodge as the belligerent Long John Silver,
booed from his first appearance, and Graham Moffitt's Aunt Sally Forth, whose
over the top frocks deserved a best supporting role award.
Other notables were Dave Farr, who did well to keep up a strong French
accent for two-and-a-half hours as foppish Jolly Roger, Sebastian Atterbury
(Jim Hawkins) and Hilary Orchard (Spot the Dog, an instant hit with mini
members of the audience).
The junior chorus was also excellent and the lively scene featuring the
dancing ghouls in Skeleton Cove was mine, and I suspect many other people's,
favourite.
Smiles all round at the final curtain showed the cast had enjoyed this show
as much as everyone watching.
By Teresa Phillips