10:26am Friday 25th January 2008
VILLAGE panto is brought bang up to date by Bishopstoke Players, with their slick production of Goody Two Shoes.
The show, at Bishopstoke Memorial Hall until tomorrow (January 26) starts with laser beams projected on the stage curtains, which open to reveal an impressive stage set.
At last night's performance (January 24), gasps from the audience seeing the detailed forest scene might have been heard if it wasn't for the loud bass of a Michael Jackson track pumping through the auditorium.
Across the snowy forest scene, complete with real mist, flitted a series of masked forest dwellers that looked like a cross between ghosts and Red Indians.
After the dramatic start, loveable idiots Rolo and Polo (Colin Carter and Peter Burton) used charisma and innuendo to get the audience laughing.
This exchange was typical: "I suppose we should reveal our identities."
"You can get arrested for that."
Septica, the evil hag (Maggie Allington), was very nasty - a domineering woman of a nervous disposition.
The dame, Molly Coddle (Jon Morgan), fluttered her false eyelashes to great effect and came on in a series of dazzling costumes that started with a black and white spotted raincoat over a pink spotted dress. Unfortunately we later found out she was also wearing red knickers.
One of many malapropisms came when Molly was outraged after finding someone embracing her daughter: "I want a full exploration."
The daughter, Goody, was the star of the show. The glamorous role was played by attractive blonde Jennifer Hammond, a natural actor who cheerfully spoke up in a style more wholesome than a bowl of fresh fruit.
With the aid of magic shoes at the centre of the plot, Goody instantly becomes an item with Simon, the principal boy (likeable Chloe Street).
Goody's brother was a simple soul with vacant smile but warm heart (Hugh Johnn), and Titus Tightwad (Kevin Bowers) had a gravelly voice to emphasise his Scrooge-like meanness. The worried forest cobbler was Anne-Marie Baker.
There was fine acting from Sammy Wyatt as Cissie, a spoilt young woman who is the love rival to Goody. Her performance was so convincing that it was quite upsetting, specially when she told the audience we were all smelly and had horrible clothes.
Perhaps singing was not the strong point of the show, though the chorus managed a splendid Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, including whistling.
An interval raffle continued the Bishopstoke Players' 61-year tradition of helping the NCH children's charity.
This jolly show, directed by Chris Shehan, starts at 7.30 nightly, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30. Tickets (£5, under-12s £5) from 023 8069 3032 or at the door.
Review by George Hayter
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