Wanstead and Woodford Guardian - January 16 2003
Review by Phyl Romeril
The 42nd pantomime was a slick, sizzling and enchanting show. Traditional and just long enough to hold the children’s interest from start to finish. I have been watching WOADS pantos since long before I took on the role of critic and they have always come up with a glittering performance without losing sight of the traditional story line.
Children’s power of concentration is, as we know, short lived but here I detected a team of entertainers who were well aware of this fact and Walter Wright’s written edition was used so skilfully that both young and old responded wholeheartedly to what was on offer. Not too much dance but some nice ballet items, plenty of corny jokes and all the traditional characters.
Christine Eckley was the wickedest of fairies, Jennie Smith made an excellent Prince and Elizabeth Mealing offered a captivating Princess. There was no back sliding in this well staged show.
Needless to say it was Steve Liversedge (Queen Euphemia) and Bernie Paveley (King Rudolph) who provided the fun and games. They were assisted by Daniel Hossack and Philip Pinto,(Henry’s l,ll,lll,lV) and there was a good helping of slapstick. The children had their moment of glory up on stage.
No pantomime is complete without the Good Fairy, which Deborah Spencer (Fairy Silverbell) and her assistant Pam Macdonald (Fairy Dinnerbell) added to with lighthearted activity. Jippy the monkey (Sarah Williams) was much adored.
Director Sue Cole brought her experience in producing musicals to the fore with great success. Musical director Ruth Saye and choreographer Samantha Churchill were also on their mettle. With a sophisticated back-stage staff and young up-to-date team on stage and some eye-catching sets, it was up, up all the way for WOADS 42nd pantomime.