After a three year absence it was good to see STARS, with STARBURST return with
their traditional pantomime – this time, Stand and Deliver, the not so traditional story
of Dick Turpin. It was good to see that little has changed - it’s the “familiar mix of
jokes, songs, heroics, madness and mayhem”. With a cast of talented young
performers integrated with a few who don’t quite fit that description, we enjoyed a fun
filled entertaining afternoon.

Leading the comedy was that stalwart of STARS, Chris Binns as Dame Dotty. Chris,
with his irreverent style, is one of the finest Dames in the area. As the master of bad
jokes and asides to the audience, he carried the show along at a cracking pace.
Adding to the comedy was Leo Mercer as Billy Muggins. Leo has developed into a
first class comedy lead who had the audience in his grasp from his first entrance –
the interaction with the many children in the audience was to joy to watch. Billy’s
“love” interest was Katie Cuddlesome, played delightfully as the “over the top”
stroppy teenager.

The villain of the piece Mr E and his alter ego, Parson Goodfellow, were played by
Bernard Wilson. The dual portrayal allowed Bernard to demonstrate his experience
and talent as a fine character actor – and who knew he could impersonate Elvis
Presley? He was certainly “Evil”. Bernard had a couple of young accomplices to help
with his villainy, Neo Birmingham and Mia De Luca, as Ruff and Ready – two very
talented performers with strong vocals.

The hero of the piece, Dick Turpin, was played with style and panache by Eva De
Luca, who looked and sounded every inch the traditional principal boy. The
partnership with the principal girl, Nell, played by Izzy Wade was delightful with
wonderful interaction between them along with great vocals. Nell’s father, Count de
Monet, was played by Dave Harris, who added to the comedy with his ever growing
foot dressing and his bumbling characterisation.

One of the highlights of the pantomime was the double act of Nick and Nab, two
incompetent policeman, played by Malachy and Finlay Graham. Their comic timing
was impeccable and along with the synchronisation of their movements they had the
audience in stitches. Great potential for these two.

Added support was provided in the courtroom scene by Joe Collins, as the judge,
and Ro Saville and Clare Burnside, as the ushers. (interesting fact – last time
STARS did this pantomime in 2013, Joe Collins and Leo Mercer played the opposite
characters!) Finally, the “udder” star of the show, the charming Daisy the cow, played
by Julie Birmingham and Rachel De Luca. They milked every appearance.
Let’s not forget the ensemble of villagers, farmhands and party guests who brought
life and colour to the pantomime.

Of course, the people performing on stage are only the tip of the theatrical iceberg.
The show would come to nothing without the large team of people working tirelessly
behind the scenes to bring the show to life – lighting (Andy Wright & Peter Wallwork),
sound (Neil & Cole Bradford), costume (Clare Burnside & Margaret Townsley),
make-up (Judith Smith), props (David & Joan Waite), the set builders & designers
(Mel & Fran Silver, Neil Bradford, Jeff Brown, Brian Stead, Julie Birmingham, Joe
Collins, Catherine Franz, Rachel De Luca, Pam Barlow and Dorothy Schofield and
the stage crew, who worked efficiently and quietly, Andrew Charles and Alex Franz.
All of this under the direction of the Stage Manager, Ro Saville.

The production team of Chris Binns (Director), Joan Kay (Assistant Director) and
Peter Boyes (Musical Director) should be proud and delighted with creating a first
class pantomime that entertained a packed audience of young and not-so-young
people. The pantomime was a joy to watch and, if laughter is indeed the best
medicine, there are a lot of extra healthy people in this Leeds suburb as a result
of Stand and Deliver’s run of 6 performances.