Dick Turpin by Kei Bailey, a review by Jules Jones
Dick Turpin
Writer: Kei Bailey
Director: Glen Barker
Producer: Jaqui Hodgetts
I had a great night at Hale Magna Village Hall last weekend, with a warm welcome and superb show, thanks to Heckington Players. Dick Turpin was a fantastically written and well produced pantomime, and writer, Kei Bailey, has once again written an intriguing and contemporary tale, whilst still including all the well-loved panto staples. Oh yes he did!
The production team had worked their fluffy socks off. I could see the creative hand of director, Glen Barker, in every movement, slick dance numbers, tremendous acting and wonderful characterisation. Well done, Glen, a very strong, well directed show. The set and the props, created by Callum Thursby, Mags Lennard, Jaqui Hodgetts, Rob Grundy, Don Rose, Henrik Weston, George Statham and Adam Eden, enhanced the whole show and the stage crew managed everything smoothly. (Stage Manager – Mags Lennard, with crew – Georgina Statham, Rob Grundy, Henrik Weston, Emily Castillo.) Exceptional work from everyone involved. I loved the backdrops, particularly the trees which were enriched by fabulous lighting and sound scape. (Sound design – Colette Buchanan-Gray, sound and Lights – Callum Thursby and Keith Baggley).
All the actors gave wonderful depictions of their characters. Particular stand out actors for me were Kei Bailey as Dame Fertiliza, a warm and friendly woman, her son Arthur played with huge energy by Aaron Pettican, and Dick Turpin played by Paige Ruddlesdin as the traditional principal boy. Their interaction with the audience and other characters on stage was superb. Arthur and Fertiliza (Liza with a Z to her friends) were witty and demonstrated tremendous amounts of comic timing and skill. I also felt the good fairy, Wanda Wave, played with charm by Alison Johnson-Smith, and her nemesis Nefaria Chilblain, played with dastardly style by Colette Buchanan-Gray, were excellent. Their duet was really clever and well-rehearsed, a highlight of the show. Comic duo, Hobnail and Boot, played by David O’Brien and Kelly Anderson, gave well-rounded performances as two lovable scamps. As with all of Kei’s scripts the characters moved the story along and underpinned many of the themes. I very much liked the fact that our heroine didn’t end up with the man in the end, instead choosing independence to start up her own business. I also liked the fact that Kei created a character in Dick Turpin that wasn’t your typical hero, playing with the audience’s expectations.
All the musical numbers were very good, (MD – Colette Buchanan-Gray), the vocal harmonies blended well, the individual voices were good, and clever choices were made throughout. Everyone was clapping along and joining in. Choreographer, Rachel Rowett, made clever use of the small stage and didn’t shy away from complicated routinnes, everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves in the dance numbers. The ballet turn was hilarious, (additional choreography – Aaron Pettican), I wondered where that balloon was going to end up! The chorus members were engaged, moved well and definitely added value to the whole show. And Bess, (Sue Porter and Joseph Gilliard), was so lovely and enchanted the audience with her antics. Nefaria’s sidekick, Snivelsprout, played by Ed Griggs, was delightfully spry, and gambled about with so much energy. His clever looks to the audience underpinned the humour and gave us all a really good laugh. Cora played by Hannah Priestley was charming, had great timing and used the stage well. Lady Ermintrude was well played by Mel Priestly in a comically haughty manner and Mandie Collier played the warm-hearted Molly with skill. All the cast gave energetic performances and there was not a weak performance amongst them.
The costumes were all colourful, enhanced the characters, and suited the show well. Well done Linda Wilson. The hair and makeup demonstrated a professional skill, which I have come to expect from Katie Calo, who also dressed the Dame throughout. So many costume changes which is a lovely panto tradition and every one of Fertiliza’s outfits were ingenious.
I felt your promotion and publicity content reflected the show well and I enjoyed reading your programme when I got home. There are lots of lovely photos with information about the show and Heckington Players, along with details about the real- life Dick Turpin and the connections with Heckington and director, Glen, a lovely readable souvenir. (Poster and Program created by Jaqui Hodgetts)
I feel Dick Turpin was the highlight of this season’s pantomimes for me and can’t wait to see next year’s production. Thank you for the warm welcome from the huge front of house team and carpark attendants, they do the society credit.
Jules Jones