Show: Last Panto In Little Grimley
Society: Shorwell Drama Club
Venue: Shorwell Parish Hall
Credits: David Tristram
Type: Sardines
Performance Date: 10/12/2016
Last Panto In Little Grimley
Cheryl Barrett | 17 Dec 2016 02:58am
Shorwell Village Hall was packed for Shorwell Drama Club’s performance of David Tristram’s one act comedy play, Last Panto In Little Grimley. The drama club also staged a Christmas concert in the second half of the evening. Unfortunately due to illness I had to leave during the interval and was unable to review the concert personally, although I have since spoken to an audience member who said they had thoroughly enjoyed the music and readings.
Last Panto In Little Grimley is about members of a less than successful amateur dramatic group who endeavour to put on a show, despite there being only four members (three and a stage manager). Failing audiences have resulted in them taking drastic action to save the group. Gordon decides to write a pantomime, which turns out to be something very different to what Margaret was expecting. Once word of the risqué nature of Gordon’s panto, in which Margaret realises she may have to reveal more than her talent, gets around, the people of Little Grimley flock to buy tickets. Due to a set of calamitous circumstances on the opening night it doesn’t turn out as expected, with members of the cast having accidents.
All four of the cast gave sterling performances and had the audience laughing from start to finish. Comic timing was spot on.
Sarah Scotcher was hilarious as the rather naïve Joyce who considers herself to be something of a singer. Scotcher’s mannerisms were spot on as the dithery Joyce proved she was as inept at shorthand as she was singing. Kim Ball was perfectly cast as no-nonsense Margaret whose bossy nature in trying to keep Chairman Gordon under control was a lovely contrast to that of Joyce. Chair of the drama group, Gordon, played by David Kast gave a good performance. Andy Ball completed the cast as banana eating stage manager, Bernard – a very funny portrayal.
There were some lovely comedy moments, Bernard trapped in the cupboard one of them and Bernard sawing the tail off the cat costume as Joyce sat on his plank of wood. Wonderful! The final scene with Gordon and Bernard cavorting around the stage as a pantomime horse that couldn’t see where it was going was hilarious – I’m surprised no-one was injured as the cast went at it full throttle.
If I were the author of this hilarious one act play I would be more than happy with the performances of this talented cast, who certainly did the play justice.
Sound, lighting and music were all used to good effect. A wonderful evening’s entertainment.
- : admin
- : 10/12/2016