NETheatre: Panto Review -TREASURE ISLAND, GEORGIAN THEATRE ROYAL, RICHMOND

PANTOMIME in Richmond is anything but traditional, they take panto and using traditional elements create something fresh in their own unique style. Director and writer, Jo Mawhinney, this year has transported us to the magical adventure of Treasure Island. As soon as I entered the theatre, I instantly arrived to that well known coastal Yorkshire town of Richmond-by-the-Sea!

Nick O'Connor (Dame) on board the HMS Georgian Theatre Royal

After the opening scene, Nick O’Connor, this year as the Dame Wilhelmina Whippy, spent quite a long time doing several shout outs and adlibbing with the audience, in other theatres this wouldn’t work, here it just feels as if a group of friends have met up for their yearly outing. The intimate setting, putting us firmly in the middle of every scene. Nick commands the stage with an incredible presence making him firmly adored by the audience.

Susie Chaytow (Long Jane Silver)

Long Jane Silver, Susie Chaytow, is the most delightful panto baddie, complete with her saxophone! She was perfect to boo and hiss at throughout. Jim Hawkins. the brilliant Marcus Jones, worked-well alongside Dame Wilhelmina Whippy. Polly, Georgie O’Reilly, add a gentleness to the adventure. Billy Bones, Moses Gale, added a different style of comedy, which I absolutely loved. Boris the Rat, Aidan MacFarlane, was an exceptional twist to the proceedings. The energetic Young Company were a delight.

Marcus Jones and Georgie O'Reilly

I enjoyed the interruption of the performance by Peter Pan, Jack McGarry, desperate to get in on the action, even trying to fly!

Nick O'Connor with a member of Young Company at ice cream van

The singing was excellent, superb choreography from Anna Bridgeman, perfect lighting as ever from Tony Wilcock, delightful costumes from Dawn Summerlin, with the highlight of the set being a gigantic moon settling over the audience to end the first act.

Nick O'Connor (centre), Marcus Jones and Georgie O'Reilly

Richmond certainly do panto differently and of course; it wouldn’t be the same unless we all saved the day using knitted items. This time knitted ice creams – pure joy, with so many delighted faces as they hurled them towards the stage.