The Littleport Players thought they couldn’t match their last successful musical ‘Avenue Q’ having had to put on two extra shows because it was so popular.
It seems that their recent Pantomime ‘Cinderella’ which saw the final curtain fall on their 5th and final performance on Sunday surpassed all expectations, as the cast and all involved continued to receive rave reviews.
“My daughter and I had an absolutely wonderful time watching ‘Cinderella’. She especially loved being picked to come up on stage by The Fairy Godmother Dot who was superbly played by Megan Bidecant. All she talks about is wanting to start an acting role as well as her dancing”, said Mum Jodie Murfitt.
This Christmas panto, especially designed for children’s enjoyment, didn’t disappoint the adults either.
The Two Ugly sisters Gorgon (joint choreographer Becky Green) and Zola (Chelsea Booth) were fantastically funny and superbly convincing as they played off one another like many a good old-fashioned double act.
The main character, Cinderella, expertly played by Nikki Dyer, was well complemented by Prince Charming, aka Laicey Kiefer, who performed her role in fine style.
Like many actors who have left Littleport Players to go on to London’s West End theatre-land, our very own George Harrison is certainly destined for stardom. He played the Buttons role like a talented young Anthony Newley or Tommy Steele.
Like all good pantos, audience participation was the name of the game as spontaneous “boos” rang out on cue whenever The Ugly Sisters, Gorgon and Zola appeared.
The songs were performed brilliantly by the young actors too, from Dolly Parton and Shakin’ Stevens numbers to The Beatles.
The audience applauded even more wildly at the rendition of ‘Hey Jude’ sung by Beatles’ name-sake, George Harrison!
“This time we decided to return to a traditional panto that I am delighted to say paid off.
And to have 15 children aged 8 and upwards part of our acting troupe where 12 of them were totally new to the group has been just amazing. They are quite exceptional and very well behaved,” said a delighted Director and Make-Up Artist, Karen Booth. The talented team includes costume designer, and dress-maker Sheila Goodall, costume assistant, Sharon Walker, and Sound & Lighting designers and operators, Chris Rose and Phil Robinson.
Karen continued, “It is a sad farewell this year as we have to say goodbye to Rick Forward, who for many years has constructed and designed some of our stunning sets. We wish him well in the future. Now we have a vacancy for someone as we are looking at a musical for summer 2017!”
The Littleport Players are always looking for actors, set helpers, and fund raisers to ensure this fantastic group keeps going, so if you’d like to be a part of it, why not contact Becky Green by emailing her on rebekahgreen2016@outlook.com
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