Voyage Of The Galaxy Trader

IF there was a prize for the most unusual panto title, Castle Players would surely be in the running for it, as indeed they would for the very novel cast pictures in the programme. But before you assume that I’m scratching around for something good to say, let me assure you that I have a lot more praise to bestow yet.

Morarg Davenport’s script manages to combine sci-fi with the usual pantomime ingredients of goodies, baddies, spectacle, romance and fun, and although the performance I attended wasn’t perhaps as fast and furious as it might have been, it was clear that the youngsters in the audience were absolutely gripped – and that’s always a good sign. The adults were enjoying it too, of course, but we were slightly more restrained in our enthusiasm and didn’t jump up and down or shout out helpful comments. Well, too not much, anyway.

I would try to explain the story, but I would only confuse myself, and you, in the process. Suffice to say that it is set in space, and that all ends happily in true panto tradition. Director Alan Colclough has a fine cast to work with, and there are some cracking performances with great singing too, thanks to musical director Steve O'Neill.

Where do I start? Well, possibly with Scott Sullivan, often seen in serious roles but here the Commentator – the one who gets the audience going and yes, comments on much of the action. I hope he’s enjoying playing the role as much as I did watching him, because he is a delight. So also is Dave Clements, another actor who can turn his hand to many types of role but who gets it absolutely right as Floriana, the Dame, who somehow ends up with the Captain of the Galaxy Trader, Jim Slogg (Gerry Carroll).

Becker Sullivan and Nikki Brown give strong performances as Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, and I loved their invention, Rob the Robot (Val Thomas). Naomi Butchart and Beverley Beck are sweetly romantic as Iriana and Luke, and there’s good support too from other goodies First (Angus Maule) and Bosun (Chris Bunn).

On the baddie side there is a confident performance from a very promising 14 year old, Adam Dent, as Gobniu the Gory, although he does need to involve the audience a little more so that they feel free to boo and hiss him. Phil McMullen as his henchman, Ogma the Ugly, comes over very well, albeit in a likeable rather than scary way, and Laurent Lucas as Snuffles is nastily appealing.  

The supporting chorus is commendably animated and there is excellent dancing from pupils of the Vivian School of Dance. Last, but by no means least, lighting effects and set are superb and the costumes, made by Christine Orridge and Heather Brown, are outstanding.