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Pinocchio
Cannington Pantomime Society
I always enjoy watching Pinocchio. There are many scripts to choose from but Cannington Pantomime Society certainly nailed it with their choice this season. This was certainly a fun packed show and my goodness – how all of those Brownies enjoyed it!
This was opening night and although a number of prompts were required, pace was very good throughout and all principals, dancers and junior chorus held the show together with panache.
The sets were as professional as one could hope for and helped make this pantomime the success it was. The toy shop scene in particular was impeccable.
Acting was to a reasonably good standard. The Dame’s role is always an arduous task to perform but Barbie Botox (Clive Stanley) mastered it well. Unfortunately we never really got to see her face. Facial expressions of the dame are paramount and wearing large and small sunglasses during certain scenes was a huge error. We needed to see you and ‘ those eyes’ and get to know you. There were many occasions when you were talking either with your back to us or sideways on which was a pity as your vocal lilt to the voice was a professional as one could hope for.
I certainly enjoyed the antics of Polly Patchwork (Hannah Jones). You produced a delightful characterisation and projected your words convincingly – a fine and energetic performance. Comedy was also maintained by Trick and Tease (Lucianna Shaw and Louise Cannell). You both engaged your audience and bounced well off each other.
Wander, the horrible wicked witch (Amy Jones) looked deliciously horrible in her leathers but needed to be even more sinister. Your entrances needed vibrant attack daring us to boo at you. A good performance though.
An outstanding performance was given by Pinocchio (Lilly Webber, aged 10). You played your part with distinction Lilly. You had an impressive stage presence, crystal diction and a very good singing voice – clearly a star of the future.
The underwater UV scene certainly had the wow factor and I enjoyed the sheer delights of Molly Mermaid (Shaz Sparks) and Ollie Octopus (Amandine Louis-Andre).
I enjoyed the chorus, villagers and Barbie Botox Dancers but would have liked to have seen and heard a little more from you during the show.
All costumes, especially Molly Mermaid and Ollie Octopus, were to an exceptionable high standard and all society made.
I pull no strings. This was a resplendent pantomime that had something for everyone. I certainly enjoyed it.
Nigel Ford.
Moderator – Somerset Fellowship of Drama.