Robinson Crusoe

A Pantomime by John Morley

18th to 27th January 2001

Review

Report by: Lynne Caygill Regional Representative Area 4 National Operatic and Dramatic Association

Theatre Fun, laughter, wicked pirates, hidden treasure and a fluffy dog, were all at the Blackmore in their pantomime "Robinson Crusoe." Great evenings of good family entertainment, with music, comedy, dancing, bright, colourful costumes and lots of audience participation.

The Exmouth Players work hard to give us a pantomime every year, this year, 2000 was no exception. Marie Kelsall as Robinson Crusoe charms the audience from her first entrance. She is partnered by Kirsty Sydenham as Polly Perkins, the daughter of Captain Perkins, played by Douglas Gray. Comedy is provided by Brian Toye as Kenn Crusoe,who works hard to involve the audience, assisted by David Wilkes and Roger Close as Bill and Ben, Richard King as Chrissie Crusoe; The Dame. The wicked Pirate Blackpatch gets the audience booing with an excellent characterisation from the start. Instead of a King Neptune wrecking the ship, this show has Oilslick ably played by Joy Robinson and Fairy Detergent saving the day, played by Elaine Ford.

Act 2 finds the cast on a Desert Island, with terrifying cannibals led by a cruel queen (Barbara Searle who also painted the scenery), grunting gorillas and lost temples. All culminating in a patriotic red white and blue finale. This was not a show to be missed.