St Joseph’s Players BATS REVIEW

With the dust only just settling after the hectic Christmas festivities, St Joseph’s Players in Leigh have been busy presenting their annual pantomime production. This year’s offering was Robinson Crusoe from the pen of society stalwart Doreen Johnson. St. Joseph's have an excellent reputation for presenting good family pantomimes and this one was no exception.

The principal line-up was led by Clare Nash in the title role of Robinson. Clare gave an assured performance and commanded the stage with ease. Robinsons love interest was Erica (the girl next door) played by Zoe Unsworth. Zoe gave a confident performance and treated the audience to some excellent vocals.

The comedy was in the capable hands of Keith Hindley in the role of pantomime dame ‘Bluebell Crusoe’. Hindley brings the traditional pantomime dame to life and his excellent comic timing brought the required response from the audience. His appearance towards the end of the show as ‘Honey G’ was a highlight. It would have worked wonderfully as the audience song.

The principal line up consisted of many other characters, too many to mention, who all gave splendid performances that brought the story to life. The dancers executed the musical numbers with ease and a 20 strong children’s’ chorus treated us to a medley of well-rehearsed song and dance routines.

This production certainly had the family feel about it and it was absolutely apparent that all the members of this company were having an excellent time in presenting this show to their audience.

The live band added an extra touch to the production under the baton of Craig Barlow. The set was very effective with some excellent backdrops and well-designed set pieces.

Directors, Doreen Johnson and Pauline Nevell should be very proud of their cast as well as the whole production. Congratulations.

Graham Cohen.