Performance dates were:
Wed 24 Jan 2024 at 7pm
Thu 25 Jan 2024 at 7pm (cancelled due to power cut)
Fri 26 Jan 2024 at 7pm
Sat 27 Jan 2024 at 1pm
Sat 27 Jan 2024 at 6pm
and the show was directed by Natasha McGregor
You can see photos from the show in our Photo Gallery
The show on Saturday 27 Jan was attended by Clark Wilkinson, our NODA North West District 10 Representative. We thank Clark for his review:
It might be January and Christmas a distant memory, but it’s never too late for panto! Once Upon A Time In Pantoland marked my first show visit of the 2024 season – so all in all I was really looking forward to see what mayhem lie in store, especially as this is a newer title that seems a very popular choice for groups to perform at the moment. The plot sees panto worlds collide featuring characters from many pantomimes. Snow White, Peter Pan, Jacks Cow, the Magic Mirror – they all were there alongside the traditional panto line-up of your Dame, Goodie and Baddie to name a few.
I really enjoyed the comedy pairing of Andy Williams and Will Sands as Dame Tiffany Tickle and Tommy Tickle, respectively. A lovable Dame, with a great rapport with the audience. Even when some of the gags went over the crowds head, Andy always had a comeback line which I admired and their film routine was delivered excellently. I thought Will Sands was exceptional in the comic role – great timing, great singing and I even smiled at the fart jokes (I hate fart jokes-but happy to accept I’m in the minority of the population with that one!!)…….Let’s move on!
The silent roles are often the best, and every time junior member Jacob Clarke came on as Baxter the Dog, his facial expressions coupled with his costume never failed to give me the giggles– absolutely marvellous! Jacob was playing opposite a fellow junior member, Beth Temple as Snitch, Mouldywart’s VERY sassy cat. I’m not sure if this was a stage direction or just the character Beth chose to channel – but either way I thought it was inspired and I couldn’t help watching both Jacob and Beth everytime they came on stage! What a pair!
The sound and lights were good on the whole, the backing tracks were of good quality although I did notice some ended rather abruptly. There were some good music choices, though on a couple of occasions songs were reprised and I felt at the time different songs wouldn’t have gone a miss in these slots to add a bit of variation. The singing was good though, so a huge well done to Director and Musical Director Natasha McGregor for bringing out the best in the group.
The costumes were well made and suited each character. I have to say, when Andy came out in his act two costume, I could have sworn Bette Davis was alive and well, returning to Gosforth for one night only as Baby Jane Hudson – loved that look! The set was simple but used every inch of the small stage with a series of flats, periaktoi and painted backcloths. The detail in the paint work was very intricate, and judging how the tree backcloth matched up with the flats, I had a feeling they may have been painted by the Gosforth team as well. If so, I thought they were absolutely exquisitely done as painting a backcloth takes real craft.
There were a few dropped lines during the show, with ‘line’ being called a few times. This is my ultimate bête noire! Not because a line has been forgotten (we are human after all!) but breaking the flow of the show with an unseen voice calling out from the wings (or in this case, out front) eradicates any sort of momentum and tension that has been built up to that point. A performer (whether an amateur or professional) is responsible for transporting the audience elsewhere whilst the performance is taking place, and character should never be broken – even in the event of a ‘dry’. Sticky situations happen – it’s live theatre after all, but you must be able to get yourself (or indeed others) back on track if the mind slips.
This was my second visit to Gosforth, and I have to say as an audience member both me and my guest got the most amazing sense of community, not only between the players but also amongst the audience. I love sitting back and listening to those around me commenting on the shows they’ve seen GADS do previously at the Hall or who they know in the company – they always have a wonderful time. The lights dim and they are treated to such a diverse mix of ages onstage, all working together to create something for the Gosforth community to enjoy – which is what it is all about.
Until the next time.
And a final note from GADS:
Well done to all the cast for such a great show and a huge thank you to all those behind the scenes and front of house who helped make it all possible.
