Fun, scares and a stunning solo in peninsula play for Halloween
By Derek Davis
25th Oct 2022 | Local News
From the moment you walk into the hall, there is sense of scary anticipation.
This is Halloween and anything can go wrong as the Smarts find out when they get lost after getting off the 97 bus at the Rose and young Jack (played by the impish Noah Cubitt) discovers an intriguing toy shop.
The Magic Shop is run by twins Julius and Septimus Tringle, superbly played by Oliver Keeble, who combines Tommy Cooper and Dr Who's Matt Smith with magical wit - just like that...
That is where the play (not a panto) starts in earnest with cackles, chuckles and charming cameos.
Oh, and a very scary doll girl, played by six-year-old Isobel Tromans, who genuinely had me gulping with her disconcerting stare.
Horror classics such as the Time Warp and Thriller are interwoven into the play with the youngsters in particular dancing whole-heartedly on the outstanding, and incredibly detailed and clever sets.
One such is when we meet wicked Witch Gravelling, (played effortlessly by veteran drama group star Melanie Connell) who promises to Put a Spell on You in a fine rendition of the Nina Simone classic.
Hubby Michael is the muddled wizard Marlin and his chemistry with Septimus is a show in it's self.
Given the number of panto's, and plays, this reviewer has covered, I probably should not be surprised by the effort, enthusiasm and expression put in by the youngsters, but they were all fabulous in their own individual ways.
A couple of standouts though were Emily Tromans playing Pimm, who belted out a simply sensational, jaw dropping solo number - and she is only 10.
Then there was Scar Price as Septimus' assistant and Captain Courageous who belied her rank and had truly commanding stage presence.
The cleverly written play gives a nod to many other productions, combining comedy, farce and horror is no easy task and but directors Josie Tromans and Connor Sams nail it and under the guidance of stage manager Mandy Peters, are bound to have learnt a lot, which bodes well for the future of the group.
Especially when they can rely on such a tented group of young and old actors.
Stalwarts Angela Arnold as Gladys Mopp who expertly linked the narrative, along with Debbie Double and Sharon Ratcliffe are the glue that help the youngsters follow direction.
Six year-olds Isobel, fellow Gremlin Arthur Cubitt and all-rounder Nancy Wright were awesome, long with new girls Aleisha Ranson and Kayley Squirrell following in the footsteps of Jessica Squirrel, while Evie Keeble had big brother Oliver to look up to - literally.
Rose Walls, Alfie Cubitt, Pippa Harris, Bea Picknell and Naomi Mitchell, like their doll characters, all came to life especially in the song and dance numbers.
Just like the cast's age range of six to 60 plus, this play (not a panto) is ideal for all and a big lift in these difficult times.
The Wicked Witch and the Magic Shop at Shotley Village Hall, runs from Wednesday October 26, to Saturday 29 October, although there is no performance on Friday 28 October due to Lee Adams' funeral and wake.
A collection bucket for the family's chosen charity. The Sick Childrens' Trust will be available.
Tickets are available from the Shotley Rose and Orwell Stores in Chelmondiston.
Make sure you get a programme, which lists the production team and so many sponsors and supporters, which keeps Shotley Drama Group going.
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