If there was a weakness to the show, it was some of the individual singing: a tough call, as we’re all used to versions of well-known songs by top (and highly-paid) pros. By contrast, the ensemble comedy piece at the end of the first act – which called for excellent co-ordination and was very funny – worked a treat. The show ran for three nights, and was attended by around 350 people. If the evening I went to was anything to go by, they all had a great time. It’s quite an undertaking to put on a show like this, and quite a risk – many of us have no doubt sat through ‘am-dram’ longing for the bar to open at the end – but it paid off really well. The group have ambitious plans: an interactive murder mystery is next on the list, and if this show is anything to go by, it should be a must-see. Maybe I’m not the right person to write this. Pantos are essentially for kids – though The Lost Slipper had enough adult material to keep mum and dad chortling. My nine-year old daughter enjoyed the show hugely. Congrats to everyone involved with this show, and I for one am looking forward to their next venture. Oh, yes I am… Chris West
Foxton Pantomime – Cinderella Foxton pantomime had a very successful weekend with their first performance of Cinerella at Melbourn Village College on Friday, 18th January with an audience of about 180 people, with around 220 at the Saturday matinee and a near capacity audience of nearly 300 Saturday evening….! The two ugly sisters kept poor Cinders extremely busy and down trodden and would not entertain the idea of her attending the Royal ball, but her fairy godmother sorted that problem out as well as promising to do deal with the problem of the parking in Station Road, the dog poo on the rec…! And the very poor broadband and telephone signal… since then the writer has been able to receive calls on his mobile and Station Road was clearer in the morning!!! The two ‘ugly sisters’ wondered who the two ugly birds were they kept referring to at the ball and who was the ‘posh young bird’ was they did not recognise…? Craig, one of the judges, thought the whole thing was a complete disaster and the other judges Bruno, Darcy and Alesha said “you could not have been at the same ball as us…!” Craig added ‘the rumba was rhubarb, and the passé boble was….’ to which ‘King Bruce’ interrupted and said “we do not want that rant again…!” Craig did say that the ‘front of house’ staff was excellent, especially the younger members as were the backstage staff, always there when they were needed. The casting was considered excellent (with the possible exception of Craig…!) Writer and director Andy Ranner did an excellent job and the cast made a presentation to him after the show in the ‘Pink Pony’ in Fox Town. Mona, one of the Ugly sisters said she was not going to return to football and she would stay with Pantomime and her sister, Griselda was, I think, delighted. Buttons was not so sure. The two sisters went of with the uncouth ‘Jack the lad’ the following night…! Cinderella, having left her drudgery behind, told her half sisters what she thought of them and now from her new exalted position at
‘Knooky Castle’ said she was considering setting up a drama group from her other home in Fowlmere, to rival Fox Towns…!!! The Prince, as ever, was ‘charming’ at the concept of the idea. Nearly £2000 was raised in sponsorship and advertising revenue, for their two charities of which nearly £500 is still to come. The total raised in revenue from all sources is approximately £5000, with expense still to be deducted. Well done to everyone involved. We would particularly like to thank K Costumes of Royston for their help, advice and generosity as we would all our sponsors as acknowledged in the programme and everyone that helped and assisted and supported us.
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