Eric Idle could be forgiven for thinking there’s a Spamalot/Monty Python revival happening in Lincolnshire this winter, what with three, local pantomimes staging his comedy classic ‘The Song That Goes Like This’. However, The Lindsey Rural Players, based at the Broadbent Theatre, in Wickenby near Lincoln, arguably do it best; the two leads are naturally gifted vocalists (Siân Rees is positively operatic) which gives the comedy gravitas as well as being an accomplished song, in its own right. LRP’s gleeful revamp of The Snow Queen is not always so polished, but it is currently the most outwardly camp and gloriously ribald pantomime of the season. It oozes charisma, as well as effort and bravura.
Lincolnshire playwright Kei Bailey has written an innuendo-packed, truly ensemble pantomime. The script was spiced with deliberate ‘clunkers’ and far more witticisms, puns and throwaway lines, all well-delivered by the cast. Perhaps it’s because The Snow Queen feels like a relatively new pantomime title (and, subsequently, our expectations are somewhat eschewed), that the show frequently embraced a more surreal, even absurdist flavour, which plays very nicely among the more traditional elements.
The show – ably crafted by frequent pantomime director Jimbob Hewson, a performer with the most infectious energy – clearly has plot on the backfoot; an enchanted mirror is shattered, which carries the powers to freeze a person’s heart and turns them to ice. The wicked Snow Queen, Cryogenica (Nina Wilson-Razzell), uses this to capture the kind-hearted, good-natured Kay Merryweather (Jess Holt). It then falls upon Kay’s sister, Gerda (Rebekah Hardy) and other inhabitants of the town of Tottering-on-the-Brink to make an arduous journey through the Twisted Twig Wood, to find the Queen and her sidekick Jack Frost (Jimbob Hewson) in the Frozen Wasteland. The majority of the set-up is succinctly covered by an opening, very accomplished, video vignette – a clever use of the space of the comfortably intimate theatre.
Not to do a disservice to the unwavering, commanding performance from Wilson-Razzell in the titular role (she really is excellent), but the performances that really stick in your mind and land with the audience are the various dysfunctional comics that the story liberally picks up throughout the show. Anna Fane and Greg Fane as Private Grubb and Captain Keen give off very strong Blackadder (and Baldrick) Goes Forth vibes, Natalie Anderton gives an enigmatic, thoroughly likable, perpetually-in-motion performance as Cora the Crow (the two “mini-crows” are a genius addition of prop-comedy), and Kerry James delivers a downright masterclass in audience repartee with her Fonz-inspired characterisation of Jamie Dodger, the cheeky nephew to our Dame, Prudence Puddledub. A woman playing the Dame can still feel something of a novelty, however Siân Rees, who takes the role, is idyllically cast, throwing out the ritualistic sauce and self-mockery with brilliant zeal. For those who are looking for cross-dressing, well, there’s Ben Harris’ Fairy Sunbeam. The Fairy role really is on the peripheries in this script, but Harris has made it his own.
Taking the limelight, in particular, are Vidge Stacey, playing the freakishly bizarre Odd Bob, and Rachel Lindsay as the “tally-ho”-centric buffoon Prince Frederick, both hamming it up with relish, yet never appearing self-indulgent.
There’s an equally hardworking chorus, possibly enjoying more stage-time than some of the principals. A masterstroke from, I suspect, the director, script and the cast in unison, is to embody them with diverge personas. On a similar note, whereas the Merryweather sisters are somewhat rudimentary, both Hardy and Holt are extremely skilled – Hardy demonstrating a kindred spirit with the audience and Holt, quite possibly, possesses the best singing voice of the company. Cleverly, and luckily, Hewson and Bailey find moments for both Holt and Hardy to illustrate their comedic abilities; Holt’s solos make for some of the finest, and bravest, numbers in the show.
It’s a tight space at the Broadbent, particularly when there are up to eighteen company members to house and contain! Choreography, courtesy of Storme Wilson-Eddowes, is lively and ever-changing, and Ceri Royston-German has knocked the songs into shape, with solos, duets, and chorus numbers constantly delivering. There are some gripes… the set, straightforward but with occasional flourishes, seemed more of a hindrance at times to the performers, and, coming in at ninety minutes for act one, well, the show, to me, did offer up some obvious chances for revising. Some of the songs were overlong, and the “slop” scene in the ice cream parlour struggled to raise many laughs; the appearances of Rainbow’s Zippy and George (and the recorded voices) was totally jarring and quelched the scene of any decent momentum.
The younger members of the audience loved all the cheering of the goodies and the booing of the baddies, and there were quite a few “among/with the audience” moments. This pantomime, however, is just as entertaining for the adults. There’s an epic sense of “adults playing kids”, and who doesn’t want to see that every once in a while?
TheatreReviews
It’s been a while since I’ve found myself at the Broadbent Theatre in Wickenby. I have fond memories of taking two of Other Voices’ touring productions there in the early noughties and I always forget what an enchanting venue it is until I find myself back there. It really is a ‘hidden gem’ tucked away in the Lincolnshire Wolds. Today’s visit was a particularly special trip as it was a chance for me to see one of my pantomime scripts performed first hand – something I don’t get to do very often.
Lindsey Rural Players, the resident theatre company, based at the Broadbent Theatre had chosen to perform The Snow Queen, a script I’d originally written for Sleaford Little Theatre, just after the pandemic. I was met by Jimbob Hewson, the exuberant, enthusiastic director of the pantomime and quite possibly one of the loveliest chaps I’ve met in a long time. We chatted briefly before he had to go and get into costume and make-up for his role as Jack Frost, and I took my seats alongside Sue and Laura, the friends who had joined me for the evening excursion, the show was about to begin . . .
And what a show it was! A joyful rollercoaster of laughter, music, colour and craziness from beginning to end. The production really was an ensemble piece, the whole cast working wonderfully together to bring the story to life. Nina Wilson-Razzell in the titular role as Cryogenica the Snow Queen was excellent. From the moment she entered, she commanded the stage and wickedly toyed with the audience using a hypnotic stare and seductive tones laced with venom. Her mannerisms and gestures just oozed evilness and her maniacal cackle would be the envy of many a panto baddie.
In contrast to our villainous villain, we had our hero, the enchanting Gerda Merryweather played with charm and warmth by Rebekah Hardy. Rebekah had a real twinkle which lit up the stage every time she appeared and her interactions with the other characters were well performed, especially those involving Jess Holt who played her kind-hearted sister, Kay. Jess provided one of the funniest moments for me when her serenade to a pretty dove she was holding was interrupted by a gun shot from the wings and a flurry of feathers. She then tried to release the bird into the sky, but it just dropped to the ground like a stone. It was surreal but very funny.
Gerda and Kay’s unofficial guardians were Auntie Prudence Puddledub and Jamie Dodger, roles taken by Sian Rees and Kerry James respectively. Now, I’m not going to lie, I’m a bit of a traditionalist when it comes to panto dames, I do prefer to see a man in the role. However, once I relaxed into it, Sian’s performance was super to watch, and she had a fabulous singing voice. Her character was playful, loud and outrageous, and was clearly a hit with the audience. Kerry as Jamie was equally loved by the audience and she brought a fantastic energy to the role, she never failed to bounce onto the stage with vivacity. I loved her ‘Fonz from Happy Days’ characterisation, it suited the role brilliantly.
Rachel Lindsay as Prince Frederick was one of my personal favourites. From the outset, she managed to capture the vanity and arrogance of the royal, without making the role unlikeable. There was a sincerity to her performance which helped bring out the humour, and the awkwardness in her failed flirtations with Gerda were pitched perfectly. The prince was often joined on stage by Greg Fane as Captain Keen of the Palace Guard, he was strong in his role with his sharp diction and stern, and often bemused, expressions. The foil to his efficiency and order was Private Grubb, played with undeniable enthusiasm by Anna Fane. Private Grubb has some of the silliest jokes and Anne took great pleasure in delivering them. She evidently loved breathing life into Grubb and her passion for performance was infectious. There were lots of smiles on the faces of the audience members whenever she came on stage.
The final two characters in the goodies’ camp were Fairy Sunbeam and Cora the Crow. Ben Harris gave a dynamic performance as Fairy Sunbeam and truly sparkled in the role. I loved the delightful ditziness of his portrayal which concealed an inner strength and power. Natalie Anderton as Cora was equally strong and seemed to be having great fun flapping and squawking around the stage. She made an impact during her first scene with Gerda, and this grew into a big, bold characterisation – a really memorable performance.
This brings me onto to the baddies, the incompetent henchmen and women who surround the long-suffering Snow Queen in her Ice Fortress. This team of bumbling buffoons was headed up by Jack Frost played by the director himself, Jimbob Hewson, and what a joyful performance it was. He snivelled and crept and crawled his way through the production, leering at the audience and fawning over the Queen. He had enviable stage presence, and his diction was crisp and precise. Andy Razzell, Alex Wilson-Razzell, Peter Dodds, Rosy Razzell, Claire Burnett and Erin Walker took the roles of the other hench-people, and all had great characterisations and funny moments. I was particularly impressed with Alex and Peter as the Bruiser Brothers, both had great energy and expressive faces.
Last, but most certainly not least, was Vidge Stacey as Odd Bob, the strangest henchman of them all. Vidge delivered the most hilarious performance, and she made us laugh a lot, in fact I thought my friend, Laura, was going to pass out at one point because she was guffawing so much. It truly was a masterclass in comic timing and character comedy. The constant befuddled expression, the awkward, exaggerated movements, the puzzlement at everything going, the gurning, the silly voice – all spot on.
Jimbob should be congratulated for enabling his cast to shine so brightly on the stage. When I saw him afterwards in full frosty face paint, he is obviously passionate about community theatre and his enjoyment of the uniquely British genre of pantomime was very evident, as was his love of ‘Carry On’ films which there was some clear nods to throughout. The choreography by Storme Wilson-Eddowes was very good and served to enrich Jimbob’s direction.
Well done to the ‘set wizards’ Pete Thornalley and Ted Brewer for their colourful, vibrant sets. I thought the ice-cream parlour was super and I particularly liked the ‘Frozen Wasteland’ scenery. The use of real fir trees on stage was inspired. Technically, the show was excellent; the lighting was very good and used effectively to enhance scenes and musical numbers, and the cues were sharp and well-timed, as were the sound effects which were high-quality and well-balanced. Congratulations to Andrew Newton and his assistants, Charlie Knight and Jo Johnston. I also loved the opening film section which provided the prologue – the cinematography and special effects were brilliant. Well done, Alex Wilson-Razzell.
It is a mammoth feat to costume a large cast production and Gail Barber did a wonderful job with her the outfits which were bright, colourful and complimented the actors’ characterisations. Standout costumes for me were the Snow Queen, Jack Frost, Fairy Sunbeam and Cora the Crow.
Overall, this was a fun-filled pantomime with so many entertaining moments, and I’d like to pass on my hearty congratulations to Jimbob, his assistant director, Nina Wilson-Razzell, and stage manager, Gail Barber. This production of The Snow Queen was a prime example of what community theatre should be about. The cast were clearly having a whale of a time and there was a tangible feeling that the team who brought you LRP’s latest panto was a very happy team indeed. Thank you for making me and my friends feel so welcome – it was a joyous evening and one I will remember for many years to come.
Kei Bailey
Came to see Cinderella with my daughter for a little treat, and what a little treat it was! The charming theatre was inviting and wonderful and we had so many laughs and giggles. It was really nice to see how the cast use the space in the theatre so well to engage all of the audience… not just those on the front seats! Fantastic performance, lots of fun, will definitely be making a return visit!
Odette L
It was honestly the best we’ve ever seen, it was my first time going and I think I’m actually gonna lose my voice, I’ve never laughed so much, all the cast were amazing, you should all be proud xx
Abby J
Absolutely fantastic performance by everyone, we loved the show. First time at the Broadbent, and will definitely be back. Thank you to all involved xx.
Emma B
Been to see the Cinderella pantomime this afternoon with Nylah, what a fantastic performance by all involved
Billie JG
Last night, we treated ourselves to an evening at the pantomime……..oooh yes we did! Performed by the Lindsey Rural Players (LRP) at The Broadbent Theatre, situated in the hamlet of Wickenby.
The Grey Witty Strollers
The building was converted from a methodist chapel in 1971 by Roy & Dee Broadbent, parents of the acclaimed actor Jim – who is Honorary President of LRP. It seats just 100 people.
We visited many times when our children were small & last night’s performance of Cinderella did not disappoint. Lots of booing, laughter & he’s behind yous’! The whole cast were absolutely brilliant, but for me, the ugly sisters stole the show – particularly the one with a bosom that had a mind of its own! A thoroughly enjoyable evening.
August 2023
Six members of the Old Nick Theatre, Gainsborough came to last evenings performance. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance and a number of our party commented on the quality of the acting, with superb facial expressions and body language. I have also been asked to convey our appreciation of the friendly demeanour of all your volunteers to both ourselves and the other patrons during the evening.
On a personal note as a qualified sound & lighting technician I noted the precision of the lighting and sound cues and was impressed with the ability of your new projector.
Kindest regards
Des Kirkland
Chairman, Gainsborough Theatre Company
January and February 2023
By Dianne Tuckett – 2nd Feb 2023 – Market Rasen Mail
Step aside Christopher Biggins, there is a new dame in town vying for the top spot as the Grandest Dame of All Dames.
This year’s panto offering from the Lindsey Rural Players is an absolute cracker and brings some real colour to shake away those winter blues.
There are some key elements to deliver a perfect panto, in my opinion, and The Wizard of Oz at The Broadbent Theatre in Wickenby has it all.
Corny jokes – tick; audience participation – tick; a delightful dame – tick; a wicked witch of a character – tick… I could go on, but I will sum it up by saying this show, written by Tom Whalley, has it all.
As Glinda, Keith Winnard delivered a larger-than-life performance, engaging with the audience as all good dames should.
I would say his performance was a highlight of the show, but actually there were no highlights as such, as the whole cast brought their A-game to give perfect panto performances.
Kerry James as the Wicked Witch filled the theatre with her evil presence – and the boos and hisses were well-deserved. Her sidekick, Winkie (Vidge Stacey) brought a fantastic comic element, which appealed to young and old.
As Dorothy, Nina Wilson-Razzell barely left the stage and her interaction with all the characters was a delight to watch.
In a nod to the screen version, the story begins in black and white, but there is a burst of colour when the twister hits – not least in the clever use of UV lighting during the storm, but I won’t give too much away on that one.
However, it is the character’s costumes that bring a true kaleidoscope to the stage, thanks to a collaboration with Dr Rowan Gatfield, artist Janis Bowley and the University of Lincoln third-year fashion students.
Congratulations go to all involved – on stage and off – and to director Jimbob Hewson (aka The Wizard) for bringing the show to life.
The Wizard of Oz continues this weekend – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – and again on February 10 and 11.
Name of Company: Lindsey Rural Players
Venue: The Broadbent Theatre
Director: Maurice Raphael
Date of Review: Saturday 12th October 2019
Oh dear! I thought. I don’t know if I’m in the mood tonight for The Miser, written by Moliere way back in 1668. A bit heavy after a busy day I thought, however rich the satire might be. But then, I didn’t know what The Lindsey Rural Players had in store. It was, quite simply, something very different, a breath of fresh air.
Griff Rhys Jones and Lee Mack, a few years back, starred in this version at The Garrick, sending some reviewers into raptures and others into intense horror. But it was right up my street.
My first challenge was to find the theatre of course, as I’d never been before and it’s a bit off the beaten track. But that all added to its charm, when I found it quite easily after all. The warmth of the welcome from the Society was as pleasing as the immediate effect the theatre had on me when I went in. The same feeling in fact as going to the Kinema in the Woods in Woodhall Spa. A step back in time. And a real sense of this building being something rather special.
There was a great last night audience, including a very sociable man who was thrilled to tell me all about the history of the society, from its beginnings in wartime as The Holton Players, among a group of conscientious objectors who put on productions. After the War the society continued in a converted nissen hut that sadly met a fiery end. And so the Methodist Chapel in Wickenby, converted in 1970, was to become home.
Now back to the play. The tone for the evening was set by Keith Winnard as Maitre Jacques, ‘juggling five jobs to make ends meet’. Having the audience apparently light the candles on the wall made us all realise this was no usual play. We were part of it. Keith was a great warm up man for Act One, no easy feat of course. Keith had good comic timing, with many of his lines underplayed to real effect. He gained our sympathy for the miserly treatment he received from his employer including literally having to change hats several times during a single conversation, his jobs incorporating a ‘payday loan arranger’. And he was sarcastic with it, ‘you’re pulling my coq au vin’ a typical response, as was my favourite, ‘Crème Brulee’ when we reached the denouement. Well done Keith.
Valere, played by Martin Noble was an integral part of the story, so wanting to marry the Miser’s daughter Elise. ‘I would rather befriend a Belgian than lose you’ he told her. Martin had great stage presence, keeping the story moving on and singing his part wonderfully in the comical musical interludes, under the musical direction of Jo Johnston.
Maddie Harrold, as Elise, the Miser’s daughter, so nearly married off elsewhere for monetary reasons, gave an assured performance, with wonderful diction and lovely interaction with the other characters. Donna Townsend’s Frosine was suitably brash and common, trying to con the Miser that the woman he was looking to marry, Mariane, wouldn’t look at anyone under 60. ‘She finds catarrh an aphrodisiac’ she promised him. As her scheming intensified and adapted to changing circumstances, she continued to believe in herself, ‘I’ll bet my last pair of clean knickers on it’ she confidently declared. Donna’s strong singing voice helped too with the musical sections, including the comic review of the first half, for the audience’s benefit, at the start of the second.
And so to The Miser himself, Harpagon, played by Chris Matthews. A huge part and a massive challenge to any actor. A challenge that Chris took in his stride. With a wonderful grasp of what was needed and an ability to manage everything thrown at the part, including a particularly wicked tongue twister concerning marrying Mariane not Ann, Chris was in his element. He had some wonderful lines. Of Elise’s impending marriage for example, ‘I’m getting rid of her free of charge’ with ‘three weddings for the price of three cheap evening meals.’ His visual comedy was effective too – including the forced removing of his diamond ring and drinking spilt wine, moped up with a sponge. When at cross purposes with Valere, the laughs came thick and fast.
Ted Brewer, Jo Johnston, Evie Sadler and Tom Berry all played their parts with real perception. This treuly was a wonderful example of a cast all pulling together.
And then of course there was Cleante, the Miser’s son, played by newcomer to the society Harry Petrie. Indeed, I hear several of the cast were new, but you would never have guessed, such was the chemistry between all of them. Dressed, as the Miser said, ‘like a badly erected fairground tent’, Harry made this very funny part his own and had the audience eating out of the palm of his hand. His lisp completed the character and was maintained throughout, including even a topical mention of ‘Brex-thit’. As he said, he was in ‘trouser trembling love’ with Mariane who he suspected was ‘a real sizzler in the thack.’ And so Cleante had ‘his hand in my biscuit barrel’ as his father proclaimed, the two seeking to marry the same woman. Harry’s comic timing was perfect. Every appearance was much enjoyed. A tour de force. He never let the pace drop and never came out of character, even for a second. We all so wanted him to understand the final plan – which finally he did of course. Talk about making a good first impression. Harry certainly did that with the Lindsey Rural Players. Brilliant.
My sincere congratulations to director Maurice Raphael, and Gail Dennis (Assistant Director and Producer). What a show – and such a lovely surprise. The whole stage management team played their part in producing a first class evening of comedy.
I can’t recommend this group and their lovely theatre enough. Well done for all your hard work – I can’t wait to come back.
Andrew Key
Saturday 12th October 2019
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