“The Pied Piper” by Ravenshead Theatre Group
Ravenshead Village Hall

This is the first pantomime that I have seen by Ravenshead Theatre Group, and I have one question. What have I been missing?

This pantomime is a new piece of writing by Daniel Barrow, based on the old story of The Pied Piper Of Hamelin and uses members of both the Ravenshead Youth Group and the Ravenshead Theatre Group, which I have always found a great experience for both age groups.

It's a very traditional panto which will appeal to all age groups, as a good traditional panto should do.

On the day of the Hamelin tournament there are plans afoot to flood the town with rats and spoil the day. the evil Florid and Von Dump want to take over the town and with the help of Ratsputin, they can do that. But here comes a hero with a magic flute to rid the town of rats. Hoorah!

Running parallel with this story are several other minor offshoots which all come together at the end, very happily. Double Hoorah!

Rob Hurst plays the King of the rats, Ratsputin. Not so much an evil character, more of a panto baddie who we all love to boo whenever he appears on stage

Ratsputin's chorus of rats are played by Oliver Glover, Travis Greenwood, Jacques Hurst and Fotis Manolas.

Sarah Tryner plays the hero of the piece, the Pied Piper, also known as Gideon - who would have guessed? I love how animated Sarah is in this role and it shows that panto is a natural role for her. She is great fun to watch, and can think on her feet as well.

Panto is all about well matched pairs and we end up with several of these here.

Andrew Cook (Gunter) and Catherine Buckley (Klaus) are brilliant foils. I loved the accents with these two.

Julie Cox (Florid) and Ken Cumberpatch (Lemuel Von Hump). Proper nasties who are great fun.

Hazel O'Connell (Heidi) and Daniel Andrews (Heinz), the Romeo and Juliet of the panto, who also have an offshoot comedy section regarding food.

Every panto needs a good "dame" figure and this panto has a wonderful "dame" in the shape of Hortensia Humble - who makes pies. Terry Cox has all the attributes of a traditional panto dame down to a tee.

Most of the music in the panto is performed live by Laura Bishton, who plays the Minstrel. This is quite refreshing as there are no big choreographed dance numbers of modern songs, just a gentle narration to music baroque stylee.

John Birch (Mayor of Hamelin), Emily Bowes and Pat James (The Stallholders), Caleb Ryde (Colin - the Sausage Squirrell), Val Marland (Beverley the Cow), Adam Hague ( the Keeper Of the Aquarium), Lucy Johnson, James Terry and Rojin Altuntas Ding, Dang and Dong the Wood Fairies). All bringing more magic to this panto

Lucy also stepped into the breach to play Gretel at the last moment after the original young actor fell ill and was not able to perform. the show must go on and Lucy made sure that it did.

Directed by Daniel Barrow and assisted by Dennis Baggarley.

The costumes (Lin Baggarley and Val Marland) were wonderful, with Heinz's final costume getting an audible intake of breath - and a wolf whistle - at the end.

Sound (Graham Smith) and Lighting (Katie & Laura Bishton).

There are many more hidden heroes, as there always are in local theatre, who made this panto a big success.

It never fails to amaze me just what a professional overall production smaller theatre groups actually produce on a restricted budget, but time and time again they manage to come up trumps - or is that von humps -and deliver a highly entertaining show.

Oh, and before I forget, I must mention the stage crew and manager Ann-Marie Butler and Mandy Buckley, who also make an appearance, who we couldn't ignore!!

What a wonderful start to the weekend, just a shame that there weren't more audience members to share this wonderfully funny family show. But not to worry as there are three more chances to catch this panto......

“The Pied Piper” is at the Ravenshead Village Hall until Sunday 27 January 2019 when their final performance will be at 2.30pm. There is also a matinee on the Saturday and throughout the run you can get a family ticket of two adults and two children for just £25.00. What a bargain!