NODA Review

 

S.T.A.R.S

‘ROBINSON CRUSOE’
Adel & Ireland Wood Community Centre
Thursday 20th February 2025

Having never seen Robinson Crusoe before as a pantomime, I wondered how it
would pan out – after all, the original story has just two characters, Robinson
Crusoe and Man Friday – plus, of course, not very welcoming cannibals! - Well,
S.T.A.R.S pointed me in the right direction with a clearer plot involving
Treasure Island, pirates and also lots of familiar pantomime characters!
This was a very traditional pantomime, with all the usual ‘business’ that made
it amusing for adults and children alike. The director in charge of all this, Chris
Binns, not only directed, but also co-wrote the story, (along with Chris
Townsley and Mel Silver) and played the Dame, Chrissie Crusoe! A mammoth
task which he took, as a seasoned performer, completely in his stride, with
good comedy.

The plot was easy to follow – Robinson Crusoe, played confidently by Maisie
Call, is in love with Polly, played sweetly by Liz Gonzalez – her father, Captain
Perkins, played by the stalwart performer, Bernard Wilson, is planning a
voyage to the West Indies – Robinson has a map of buried treasure, but the
Captain won’t let him sail with them. His two crew men, Hans and Deck,
played enthusiastically by Leo Mercer and Finlay Graham, are not exactly ‘able-
boded’ seaman, but the captain prepares to set sail anyway.
Robinson has brought along his parrot – Beaky, played exceptionally well by
Alice Fish - this young lady had some wonderful expressions and mannerisms –
although her squawk could wake up the whole of Leeds!!
There was a funny ‘kitchen’ scene involving Mrs Crusoe, with Hans and Deck.
This was well played, lots of flour and water thrown about – a dead cert for
laughs. Another character had snuck on board – Blackpatch, the Pirate, played
with great panache by Dave Harris, resplendent in black leather and sporting a
black eyepatch (of course!) From another pirate ship up pops Jack Fruit, a mate
of Blackpatch and played energetically by Dave Collins. I particularly loved the

rendering of ‘I am a Pirate King’ from ‘The Pirates of Penzance – you can’t beat
a bit of Gilbert and Sullivan!

Then came the storm and we were now on a deserted island – at least, that’s
what they thought – Robinson had survived the shipwreck but is captured by
the cannibals. I was particularly impressed by their dance number with UV
lighting, creating their cannibal symbol with a strong drum beat. Their Chief is
Iawanna Ichu (it’s an anagram….) played with gusto by Janine Head. Luckily,
the intrepid Beaky and Robinson’s new friend, Girl Friday, played with a lovely
sense of comedy by Belle Isbister, were there to save the day and gradually, all
the shipwrecked gang were reunited. There followed a search for the buried
treasure, easily found! Blackpatch and Jack Fruit were banished along with the
cannibals……. And everyone was happy!

Adding to the mayhem were a small ensemble of adults and children, all
putting their hearts and souls into the performance – Andrew Charles, Julie
Birmingham and Rachel de Luca. They were joined by the ‘Starbursts’ -
talented youngsters all! – Daisy Graham (Team Captain); Sonny Graham, Mia
Bradford, Emily Foxton, Silvie Head, Abigail Maltas and Rachel Gonsalves.
The Production Team were equally as talented – actors couldn’t manage
without them! Director, Chris Binns; Musical Director, Peter Boyes; Production
and Stage Managers, Nicki Hood and Rowena Saville; Stage Crew, Mel Silver,
Fran Silver, Jeff Brown and Brian Stead; Scenic Artist, Julie Birmingham;
Artwork, Rachel de Luca; Lighting, Daryl Harris, Peter Wallwork and Andy
Wright; Sound, Neil Bradford and Cole Bradford; Props, David Waite and Joan
Waite; Wardrobe, Clare Burnside and Margaret Townsley (excellent – a lot of
hard work here!) Makeup, Judith Smith; plus, Bookings, Programmes and Front
of House – all treasures! There was no credit for choreography but dance and
movement were of a high standard.

All in all, a great evening’s entertainment – I wish you all well in your future
productions, keeping Amateur Theatre alive!

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Christine Castle
NODA NE Regional Representative – District 9