Director – Louise Hunt Musical Director – Andrew Lindfield
Performed at Ingatestone Community Hall, November 27, 2011
This production got off to a good start with the company coming in from the back of the auditorium to the music of Living in Sunshine. Most of the soloists seemed to be miked and the balance of sound between the backing tracks and singers was generally good. The backcloths were excellent and together with the colourful costumes provided the spectacle that we have come to expect. The ship's deck scene was especially good since it benefited from the extra height from the rostra and steps thus giving a greater diversity of tableaux. I liked the Pirates of the Caribbean theme and echoes of Titanic, while the smoke effect and the arrival of the sea monsters provided extra interest and more for the chorus to do. I did wonder whether the Skeleton Cove scene, with the dancing skeletons, could have benefited from UV lighting.
Treasure Island and the pirate genre hold a natural fascination for young people and it is perhaps easier to develop a character within the pirate context. It also provides the opportunity for a consistent costume theme, sword play and plenty of nautical humour. Jim Sperinck's script, no doubt augmented in parts, was funny and contained plenty of topical references. The choice of songs was uptodate and no doubt appealed to the young cast although one or two were less melodic than some and less easy to sing well. The audience participation was very good and there were certainly plenty of opportunities to shout “Aye, Aye” on Blind Pugh’s entry or to alert Spot the dog when his bone was threatened.
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Harry Kemp has great projection, excellent sense of timing and an ability to adlib which makes him a natural comic. I liked the Little Britain “I am a lady” references and the high energy maintained throughout. Alec Stevens’ Long John Silver was also very strong and his enthusiastic rapping as a prelude to Bad very good. Roger and Pugh were a good double act and the combination of the Aye Aye and Spot catch phrases kept the audience on its toes. The air guitar was funny and the truth hat also. Spot the dog added the cuteness factor.
Sally Forth and Long John Silver, played by the “old hands” within the group, were such dominant and strong characters as well as having the majority of the dialogue, that the rest of the cast, somewhat younger perhaps, were a little overshadowed. It will be very interesting to see who steps up and fills the shoes of these faithful and talented servants of Young Expressions. I have no doubt someone will. I also hope that Harry and Alec find another outlet for their talents. There is no shortage of opportunities.
Congratulations to all for another enjoyable pantomime season.