Seaford Musical Theatre

Seaford Musical Theatre Dic k Whittingt on

There were several moments during Seaford Musical Theatre’s production of Dick Whittington that made me think I had strayed into The View for the adult humour of Comedy Night. But no, there I was, tittering at The Barn during a pantomime billed as suitable for all ages. But was it? For Alan Frayn’s script had several entendres that were single rather than double, and I did wonder how the mums and dads would cope with junior’s ‘What did Dame Dolly Dumpling mean when she said …?’

As said dame, named after her DDD cup size, geddit? John Tester milked his lines richly, and I enjoyed his ad-libbing ‘Where was I’s?’ to the prompt whose voice was heard several times on the first night.

Tester and Donna Bull as the heavily Scottishaccented and vigorous captain’s mate, Scupper, held the show together, providing continuity in a tale that was thinly presented in what amounted to a series of sketches done revue-style with a running story.

However, the talented cast rose to the occasion with some very strong performances, particularly from Kate Long as a terrifyingly dominant Queen Rat. She was scarily supported by Ratlings Monique Loosemore, Emily Blake, Tegan Pinchess, Kika Green, Lisa Fairfield and Martin Holder, who also became Cats, Slaves and Londoners.

St Jam es’ trust EASTER FAIR Saturday 11th April If you want to join us, there are stalls available for the sale of your crafts, hobbies or the promotion of a charity. Either call into the reception or phone for booking forms, 01323 492800 / 01323 894060 and speak to Jeff or email: jeffreyinnis@btinternet.com. If Tester provided smut for the grownups then Andrea Mallord as Idle Jack worked the stage for the kids, getting them all shouting for her to pull up her stripy socks. And Sandra Dry delivered humour and sweetness

into her Fairy Bowbells role, saying and singing her lines in Mockney tones straight out of EastEnders.

The thigh-slapping Tori Blackwell was everything you would expect for Dick Whittington and Steve Llewelyn made the best of his Alderman Fitzwarren part. Jo Salter’s lovely voice leant charm to Alice Fitzwarren and Simon Fox brought much amusement to his

Captain Cuttlefish, especially in his duos with Bull. Stephanie Verrall was an engagingly feline Cat and Panos Christofi was huge fun as the Sultan of Morocco.

But it takes more than actors to make a successful panto, so a big hand please for directors Sarah Eaton, Kate Long and Donna Bull, musical director Ben Knowles and choreographer Stuart Hall; his complex arrangement of the If I Were Not Upon the Stage Something Else I’d Rather Be song brought the house down without the actors felling each other. And the costumes devised by Hilary Ryan, Kerry Kracke and Niki Davarias were dazzling. The set, constructed by Andy Harsant and decorated by Donna Bull, Simon Fox and Amanda Steinmann, was imaginative and worked well. James Nolan produced some great sound effects and Zack Fenrir designed stunning lighting. Fenrir was joined by Darrelle Gary as stage crew. Last but not least, there was some great music from the orchestra comprising Ben Knowles (keyboard), Tony Still (percussion), Max Gardner (guitar) and Andy Harsant (bass).

Most importantly, the children in the audience loved it and joined in enthusiastically, and that’s what panto’s all about. Andrea Hargreaves Photos from top: Alice Fitzwarren (Jo Salter), Dick Whittington (Tori Blackwell); Queen Rat (Kate Long).

For adults of all ages and abilities Like to sing for the sheer jo y of it? ...then join us each week for a time of musical fun!

Wednesdays 11am – 12pm Thursdays 7pm – 8pm Seaford Baptist Church – Price £5 No need to read music and words are provided! Please contact Sally-Ann Fatkin Landline: 01323 365 495 Mobile: 07799 818 590 Email: sallyann@crystalclearaudio.co.uk

Easter St James’

Saturday 11 th

April 2020 from 10am –2:00pm Easter Egg Hunt

Come and enjoy an off-street market where you will be able to buy interesting things for yourself, your home or friends Plus enjoy a cup of tea/coffee with cake

Stalls include: Craft, Pig Roast, Art for Fun, Ceramics, Raffle and lots more…

Last Minute Artists Sti ll Lif e Cha lleng e

A couple of months back Last Minute Artists issued a daring invitation to their fellows: break out of your personal comfort zone and do something different. And at a show at the Crypt Gallery in Church Street on Saturday and Sunday 14th and 15th March you’ll see the imaginative results.

Artists who might usually be more comfortable doing, say, landscapes, were challenged to come up with still life creations in any medium, both as wall art and threedimensional in order to broaden their own scope and vision as artists. This approach follows a lecture at the Crypt Gallery by committee member Nigel Goss who demonstrated the development through the centuries of box art via diptychs and triptychs.

Artists are, as you read this, putting the finishing touches to their own answers to the challenge, trying out new mediums like switching from acrylics to oil, and experimenting with clay to give wit and charm to a functional object, or assembling mad constructions to pleasure the eye. Look forward to seeing 3D and 2D work from artists including Julie Basham, Sue Casebourne, Geraldine Edmonds, Sarah Gregson, Nigel Goss, Sally-Mae Joseph, John Perry, Janet Roland, Robin Shell, Adrienne Shields and Lisa Taylor.

Who will be answering the challenge best? Well, Last Minute Artists will be challenging you, the visitors, to decide on your favourite work. The exhibition will be open from 10am until 4.30pm on Saturday 14th and from 11am until 4.30pm on Sunday 15th. Expect surprises! Artwork from top: olding multifaith reliquary cum altar by Sue Casebourne, Hyancinth and Lemon by Geraldine Edmonds.