Congratulations to everyone involved in the New Strolling Player’s production of Red Riding Hood at Christmas. Kaleidoscope members, including Sophie Warwick and Kelly Pearce took lead roles, and other members including Robert Procter provided technical support. Below is the review that appeared in the local press:
“THIS version of Red Riding Hood by The New Strolling Players was just the right length — a little over two hours including interval — which left panto lovers wishing for more while others heaved a sigh of relief, their duty done.
There was a great deal of good humoured banter the evening I was there and all credit to Bernard Turner, as Grannie Hood, who seemed completely unfazed by it and kept up his conversations with those on stage as well as responding to his affable hecklers with appropriate ad libs.
Of course, the star of the show is the wolf, which gave Philip Bovill, complete with wolverine mask and snarling voice, the opportunity to become an evil, rapacious monster.
Other notable performances were by Phil Selby, as a most engaging Simple Simon, Antony Moore, as Baron de Broke, who proved a worthy foil for his two pseudo-ladylike daughters, Hortensia and the stuttering Hildegarde, played by Dorothy Green and Janet Haire respectively and, of course, there was the talented Cecilia Vivian, who made a beautiful Fairy Silverleaf, despite being dressed in gold. However, the highlight of the show for me was the group of gentlemen singing There is Nothing Like a Dame. It was really harmonious and I hope similar interludes can be incorporated into future productions.
The costumes were, as usual, eye-catching and colourful. The wolf’s costume was truly spectacular with a mask, which appeared to cover his whole face but which did, in fact, leave his mouth free.
The embellished proscenium arch looked splendid, appropriate for both Christ-mas and the panto itself, with no flashing tree in the corner to distract this year.
The little group of musicians supported the artists well without competing with them and the choice of music throughout was appropriate.
Although I can’t honestly say this production scaled the heights, that really doesn’t matter since the audience so obviously enjoyed every minute of it and, of course, that is what it is all about.”
From iwcp.co.uk
After a few rounds of reading we’ve managed to narrow down our selection of scripts to: Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring and Business Affairs by John Chapman and Jeremy Lloyd
Please check our ‘Upcoming Events’ page for future productions!