Association of Community Theatre

PANTOMONIUM

PADOS Junior Theatre Group

 

Director: Jack Martin

Musical Director: Helen Wilkinson

Choreographer: Zoe Munteenu

 

Pantomonium tells the story of a spot of  bother in pantoland from where the animals are being stolen only to end up in the giant’s castle. But as in all pantomime, good triumphs over evil and so it here when Jack and Aladdin saved the day.

 

The scenery was effective and added visual impact to the pantomime romp whilst the costumes depicted the various characters. There was also comedy to deliver alongside singing and dancing.

 

Although the music was supplied by backing tracks, everyone on stage knew what was expected from them and each delivered. All the movement made sure this junior cast was on its toes with good coordination and was well presented.

 

This was an excellent script as it had everything in it with which to engage the young performers. Through the fun of playing a collection of pantomime characters these junior members of PADOS are learning an array of stagecrafts, stagecrafts that will serve them well in the future.

 

The mentors had carefully introduced the young scholars to the madcap world of pantomime. But the main challenge for this junior company was to reproduce beloved and well known pantomime characters . Their discipline, and their eagerness, to get everything right helped to create fully rounded performances.

 

It was the teamwork which was so good and the support of each other was very evident. With enthusiasm the cast clearly took the audience through each of the animal rescue exploits.

 

The character development was good, and the story was told with everyone contributing to the overall narrative. It was the comedy element that was the highlight of the production, however. The confidence of putting over, and getting a response from the amusing script was a credit to all.

 

This was not just a kid’s show for mum and dad. Everything the members of the company had been learning at their weekly theatre classes cumulated in an entertaining presentation.

 

Once again PADOS is showing the way for theatre studies.