We went to see the Panto on Thursday night.
A really good night to visit because our new Rainbow Guides Troop went on that evening as well.
Unfortunately, a member of the audience was taken poorly and had to go off to RSH in an ambulance, so I missed most of the second half while directing traffic round the parked ambulance.
So I can't really give a full review - and in any case it would be quite unfair to high-light any particular members of the cast when I had totally missed some of them - the Purple People Eater, for example.
But I was reminded that Panto is primarily for the youngsters of our community - and in that respect it TOTALLY achieved its objectives. It was full of songs that they already knew, and several had "arm-waving actions" - like YMCA and "Heeeeeyy Baby!" and (I am told) the Purple People Eater song (apparently famous if you are 8). From what I saw, I thought "Heeeeyy Baby" was best - perhaps because we had all enjoyed a sneaky practice in school last Friday (thanks to the school staff and Jack and Puss and Chrissie the Director) And they soon got the hang of "I'm all right, Jack!"
Normally, of course, our children are so perfectly well behaved, they wouldn't dream of shouting during a visit to the theatre - they are silent on school trips etc. But they soon learned that it is quite acceptable (even encouraged) to Booooooo! and Hisssss! when the very frightening "villain" comes on stage, or shout "It's BEHIND you" when Jack can't find Puss and laugh noisily at the "purrfect" jokes from a very convincing Puss.
So a very enjoyable performance from a very talented bunch of local Thespians. It takes huge commitment (and not a little bravery) to deliver such capable performances in front of 100 or so local people, particularly by the younger members of the cast - some still at Primary School.
So very well done to all concerned - excellent and thank you.
And thanks also to Andrew Saunders for the photos so far.
Lastly, I can confirm that the person taken poorly was discharged from A&E later the same night and is recovering well at home. The only "black spot" was the reminder (as if we needed one) that mobile phone coverage locally is so patchy that we couldn't even call for an ambulance reliably - so thanks to the neighbours who allowed the use of their land-line phone. Once alerted, an ambulance arrived within 20 minutes.
You only have two more chances to see the Panto - 2:30 this afternoon and 7:30 this evening. But tickets are now in short supply - remember the Box Office is 260998 - and the School Car Park will be open for Panto Parking.
--
Colin Case
www.ruytonxitowns.org.uk
Tel: +44 1939 260628
Mobile: +44 7860 904006
Fax: +44 872 115 8730
Colin Case
www.ruytonxitowns.org.uk
Tel: +44 1939 260628
Mobile: +44 7860 904006
Fax: +44 872 115 8730
-- Yoland Brown Brownhill House B&B, Ruyton XI Towns, nr. Shrewsbury SY4 1LR ShACC - Shropshire Alternative Car Club www.eleventowns.co.uk www.eleventowns.com www.ShACC-uk.org Tel: 01939 261 121 Fax: 01939 260626
