We took Julian out on Friday night to a theatrical production at The Memorial Hall in Dereham
It wasn't a Panto[oh yes it was!
Oh no, it wasn't!]
It was A Christmas Carol
[a seasonal musical event?
no not that either]
So what the Dickens was it then?
Exactly
A clever adaptation of CD's story about a miserable old man called Ebenezer.
It was brilliant!
Just three very gifted actors managed to convey the story of Scrooge's redemption from being a grasping miser into a generous and thoughtful chap.
The Pantaloon Theatre company has been performing for more than twenty years. In the summer they do lots of open air stuff, and in the winter they [wisely] come inside.
The show was well done, clever jokes [with contemporary references] and there was a decent interval midway, if people wanted a top up from the bar. Music, puppetry, slapstick and a good adaptation of the original Victorian morality tale.
We three enjoyed it enormously. We had good seats on the second row of the balcony [nb The hall is pretty small, what you might call 'an intimate venue'] My only photo of the production didn't come out terribly well
They do Shakespeare, Dickens, Wilde and more. What's not to love?
The website is very informative, with lots of reviews of precious shows.
Here's their open air promo video. I'm definitely giving them a ***** review [Thank you, Pauline, for noticing they were coming to Norfolk and recommending them to me]
It's astonishing what some of these tiny companies achieve with only a few actors and minimal staging. So skilled!
ReplyDeleteYes, they were a really skilled team
DeleteThat sounds great! I love these small companies- the adaptability of the actors is impressive! Kx
ReplyDeleteSo versatile
DeleteWe often go to see a touring company called Bowler Crab, they mostly perform Shakespeare plays with a very small company and are really good. We are in awe of their expertise. I shall look out for The Pantaloons, it sounded fun. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI shall look for the BC company too now
DeleteIt sounds much nicer than the 'ordinary' panto, and probably without all the rude jokes?
ReplyDeleteI cannot stand all that innuendo (esp when pantos bill themselves as family shows)
DeleteThat looks and sounds like a brilliant night out. It's very hard to get a good photo of anyone on a stage from a balcony position isn't it. I always think these small touring groups work so very hard, but it's usually appreciated by the audience.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to say it was well received and the audience participation was good
DeleteSo pleased that you got to see them and that you enjoyed the show.
ReplyDeleteWe went to the Tivoli in Wimborne last week and saw a radio play version of A Christmas Carol staring Peter Purvis (Blue Peter) Tom Baker and Colin Baker (Dr Who). It was very good but not a funny as the Pantaloons production.
Thanks for the recommendation. The Tivoli in Wimborne is a great little local venue, I went once when we were in Dorset - these small venues deserve support, but many are squashed out of existence by multiplex entertainment outlets
DeletePeter Purvis was ALSO in Doctor Who!! He played 1st Doctor companion, Stephen Taylor! Kezzie x
DeleteThree Whovians in one show
DeleteSounds like a very enjoyable evening out. :)
ReplyDelete